In Video: Arizona woman reunites with first responders who saved her life
Heroic Encounter: Officer Brian Larison and Firefighter PGWA Save Mother’s Life in Dramatic Rescue
In a miraculous turn of events, Officer Brian Larison and firefighter PGWA saved the life of a mother of three, Amy Ruiz, in a dramatic rescue operation near Phoenix, Arizona. The incident occurred on a Tuesday morning when Officer Larison, on his way to work, witnessed a cement mixer slam into a pickup truck carrying Ruiz, which was spinning into traffic with smoke and flames engulfing the vehicle.
Officer Larison arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the accident, rolling up just as the pickup truck flipped right side up, throwing Ruiz back into the mangled vehicle. Despite the danger, he rushed to the scene, trying to break a window to free Ruiz. As he struggled to get her out, he called 911, staying on the line to provide updates on the situation.
Ruiz, who was trying to escape through her window, remembered the horrific scene, saying, "I just started thinking about my kids and my husband and like, how they’re going to live without me. How are they going to live without me if I burn in this truck right now?"
Meanwhile, firefighter PGWA, also on his way to work, happened to be at the scene. He immediately sprang into action, working together with Officer Larison to pull off the high-stakes rescue. Despite having never met before, the two first responders worked seamlessly together, as if they were longtime partners.
Ruiz vividly recalled the heroism she witnessed, saying, "I just held on to the officer so tight when he was telling me that he had me, and that he’s got me. It was just so comforting. I knew right then and there that I was saved."
The emotions were palpable as Ruiz was reunited with both Larison and PGWA, calling them "brothers" and thanking them once again for saving her life. "I thought my life was over, and keeping my family whole, there’s no way I’m ever going to be repaying it of course, but this is repayment enough. This is it," she said, her words still echoing in her mind.
The entire ordeal left an indelible mark on Ruiz’s life, a stark reminder of the heroism that can occur in the most unexpected moments. For Officer Larison and Firefighter PGWA, it was just another day on the job, but for Ruiz, it was a second chance at life, thanks to the selfless actions of two dedicated public servants.
Stay updated about breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media
