The South Dakota Highway Patrol held a ceremony honoring a 24-year-old woman who saved the life of a truck driver by pulling him from his burning rig — in the snow while wearing high heels.
The accident occurred on February 6 along Highway 42 near Sioux Falls. Two trucks collided, leaving the one driven by Dennis Stevens in the ditch and on fire. Sarah Edison, on her way to work, was first on the scene. She said that she saw Stevens hanging out of the window of his flaming truck. Thinking that the truck could explode at any time, she pulled Stevens out. Then, realizing that she wasn’t going to be able to pull him to safety on her own, she called for help. Other motorists then assisted her in pulling Stevens to safety.
Edison received the Life Saving Award from the Highway Patrol, who said that without her efforts, Stevens might not have made it. The award is the highest a civilian can receive from the Highway Patrol.
Stevens was unable to attend the ceremony but sent word that he was ever grateful for Edison for her actions.
Sources:
Rapid City Journal
KSFY