WATCH: Police officer, off-duty firefighter save woman from burning vehicle: ‘Right place, right time’

In the early morning of February 18, a dramatic and heroic scene unfolded on the U.S. 60 westbound highway near Val Vista, Arizona. A cement truck collided with a Nissan pickup truck, causing the vehicle to roll over and burst into flames. The incident, which occurred shortly before 7 a.m., set off a chain of events that showcased the bravery and quick thinking of two first responders, who worked together to rescue the trapped driver from the inferno. The story is one of heroism, fate, and the unwavering commitment to saving a life, even in the face of danger.

Chandler Police Motor Officer Brian Larison and Peoria off-duty firefighter Asa Paguia, both Marine veterans, found themselves at the center of this life-or-death situation. Larison, who was not typically assigned to patrol the U.S. 60 westbound, happened to be in the area and was the first to arrive at the scene. The sight of the burning vehicle and the trapped woman inside immediately triggered his training and instincts. “The thought of human life perishing by flames. I just, you know, I was like, ‘I cannot let this happen,’” Larison recounted. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, using his baton to break the window of the driver’s side door in an attempt to free the woman. However, as she began to escape, the vehicle shifted, falling backward onto all four tires, complicating the rescue effort further.

It was at this critical moment that fate intervened. Asa Paguia, an off-duty firefighter on his way to work at the Peoria Fire Department, happened to be driving by the scene. Running late for his shift, Paguia had his firefighting gear in the trunk of his car, a stroke of luck that would prove invaluable. When he saw Larison and bystanders trying to rescue the woman, he quickly pulled over, put on his protective equipment, and joined the effort. Larison later recalled, “Then I looked, and it was an off-duty fireman, and he’s got all his fire retardant gear on. Just right place, right time.” Paguia’s arrival marked a turning point in the rescue, as his specialized training and equipment allowed him to safely extract the woman from the burning vehicle.

The collaboration between Larison and Paguia was seamless, a testament to their shared background as Marine veterans and their extensive training in high-pressure situations. Paguia carefully pulled the woman to safety, and together, the two first responders worked to move her away from the flames. Their actions were critical, as every second counted before fire and emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. Once the woman was at a safe distance, she was rushed to the hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery. In a poignant moment, her first phone call was to her husband, a testament to the emotional weight of the ordeal and the gratitude she felt for her rescuers.

The incident highlights the selfless nature of first responders, who put their lives on the line to protect others. Paguia summed up the mindset of those in his profession when he said, “The way we operate is we risk a lot to save a lot. So I decided it was worth the risk to get that patient out of there.” This sentiment was echoed by Larison, whose actions were driven by an unshakable commitment to preserving human life. Their bravery and quick thinking not only saved the woman but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of training, teamwork, and the unwavering dedication of those who serve and protect.

The story of this rescue is one of hope and heroism, a reminder of the extraordinary acts of kindness and courage that occur in ordinary moments. It also underscores the role of fate in bringing together two individuals with the right skills and training to save a life. As the woman recovers and rebuilds her life, she and her family will forever be grateful for the actions of Larison and Paguia, two heroes who stepped into the fray without hesitation. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of selfless acts in the face of danger.