Frank L. Longest helped attempt to save Russell E. Schrader from burning, Bakersfield, California, August 30, 1996. Schrader, 47, was trapped inside an inverted pickup truck after a highway accident. Arriving at the scene in another vehicle, Longest, 44, accountant, stopped, as did other motorists. Although the pickup was leaking gasoline, Longest approached it and, with another man, assisted an emerging passenger from the wreckage. Longest returned to the truck’s passenger side and, while standing in gasoline, attempted to pry open the door to free Schrader. The gasoline ignited, engulfing the truck with flame and setting fire to Longest as well as to the immediate area of highway and brush. Longest ran from the fire and rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames on him. Schrader and another man in the truck died at the scene. Longest was hospitalized two weeks for treatment, including surgery, of second- and third-degree burns to his arms and legs.
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