During his 23 years of service in EMS, EMT Randy Holland has been called upon to perform many difficult tasks. However, he could not anticipate the challenge that awaited him on October 4, 2005, when a fully loaded gas tanker truck crashed, overturned and exploded within a few hundred feet of his vehicle. His quick actions may have saved the lives of many commuters and passersby.
EMT Holland was delivering medical supplies to Division 2 as part of his regular delivery route, traveling northbound on the Bruckner Expressway service road. He had just rounded the curve when he heard a thunderous crash. Through his rear-view mirror, he saw a gas tanker truck on its side.
The EMT immediately notified Bronx South Dispatch and parked across an intersection to prevent other vehicles from entering the dangerous scene. Realizing the driver was still inside, he approached the cab to attempt to free the driver, but a secondary explosion knocked him to the ground. Thick, acrid smoke and heavy flames engulfed the cab.
As thousands of gallons of flammable liquid poured from the vehicle, EMT Holland realized the fuel was flowing toward a crowd of onlookers who had gathered in front of a gas station. He immediately dispersed the crowd and moved them to a safe location. As the fuel rolled down the street, the flames from the tanker truck followed, igniting the tires on cars parked on that side of the street. As the heat intensified, these cars exploded, sending glass and other debris through the air.
Surely, if not for his quick thinking and selfless actions, the tragedy could have been much worse, perhaps resulting in serious injuries and additional fatalities. The Department is proud to award EMT Randy Holland with the Jack Pintchik Medal.--AF |
