David Rollin Haire rescued George P. and Celene A. Yokich from runaway boxcars, Northfield, Michigan, October 3, 1985. Mr. and Mrs. Yokich, both 68, were crossing a railroad track when their car was struck by two runaway boxcars. Haire, 37, state policeman, saw the accident and, as the car was being pushed down the track, decided to attempt to stop the boxcars before they reached a narrow bridge about a mile away. Haire sped to the bridge, parked, and ran toward the approaching boxcars. When he met the lead boxcar, Haire seized its handrail and jumped aboard. He located a manual brake and applied it, immediately slowing the boxcars, which then stopped just past the bridge. The Yokiches were freed from their car and hospitalized; Yokich recovered from multiple injuries, but his wife died shortly. Haire recovered from a strained shoulder. 60676-6992
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