FDNY Lieutenant Richard Cannon and his wife were driving home with their young children on the Belt Parkway when they came across a car engulfed in flames with the driver trapped inside. Cannon’s training kicked in, and he attempted to rescue the driver by unbuckling him from the passenger seat and pulling him out of the car. An off-duty EMT also stopped to help, and together they moved the unconscious man to safety on the side of the road.
Cannon’s wife mentioned that their 7-year-old son witnessed the crash, while their 6-year-old remained asleep in the car. She used this as a teachable moment to emphasize the dangers of speeding on the highway. Cannon, who has been with the FDNY for half his life, explained that helping others is just part of the job for him. He called the FDNY dispatcher for assistance after pulling the driver out of the burning car.
The couple had been driving home from a friend’s house in Staten Island when they encountered two cars speeding past them on the Belt Parkway. As they approached the Bay Parkway exit, they saw a BMW and Corvette had crashed, with the Corvette catching on fire. Despite the danger, Cannon did not hesitate to help the trapped driver. His wife praised his quick actions and dedication to assisting those in need.
Cannon was unable to open the driver’s side door due to the damage caused by the crash, so he went to the passenger side to rescue the victim. Despite some difficulty getting the man over the center console, he successfully removed him from the burning car. Both Cannon and the off-duty EMT provided aid to the unconscious driver until the fire department arrived on the scene. Cannon’s experience and training as an FDNY lieutenant enabled him to act swiftly and effectively in a high-pressure situation.
The driver of the car, who was unconscious during the rescue, was quickly moved to safety thanks to Cannon’s efforts and the assistance of the off-duty EMT. The situation could have ended in tragedy if not for Cannon’s decisive actions and willingness to help others in need. His wife highlighted the importance of valuing safety and responsible driving, using the incident as a learning opportunity for their children. Cannon’s unwavering commitment to serving others reflects the dedication and bravery of FDNY members in protecting and assisting the community during emergencies.
