Tracy L. Johnson rescued Robin E. Goodpaster and Brittany L. and Crystal L. Turben from burning, Georgetown, Indiana, July 10, 2000. Ms. Goodpaster, 41, and her nieces Brittany, 2, and Crystal, 4, remained inside their car after an accident in which the car left the highway, struck a concrete abutment, and broke into flame. Johnson, 21, construction worker, was traveling behind Ms. Goodpaster and witnessed the accident. He stopped at the scene, ran to the passenger side of the burning car, and opened the front door to flames that were issuing through the floorboard at the driver’s side. Johnson reached into the car, grasped Ms. Goodpaster, who lay on the floorboard, and pulled her out. He then reached back in, unbuckled Brittany’s car seat, and pulled it and Brittany from the vehicle. Johnson entered the car a third time, for Crystal, whom he pulled from her safety belt. Holding Crystal, Johnson dragged Ms. Goodpaster to safety, another man having carried Brittany away. Within a minute of the rescue, flames engulfed the car. Ms. Goodpaster and Crystal required hospitalization for treatment of their injuries, Ms. Goodpaster’s including severe burns, and Brittany sustained minor burns to her arms. Johnson also sustained minor burns, to his fingertips. All recovered.
74626 – 8498
74626-8498