DNR officer quickly extinguishes engine fire while driver is pinned in vehicle

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Logan Turner and Sgt. Dan Bigger received DNR Distinguished Service Awards for a 2022 water rescue mission on Lake Michigan, offshore of Frankfort. Turner also received a DNR Lifesaving Award for his quick actions in extinguishing a vehicle fire that involved an injured person trapped inside. Pictured left to right: Turner; Jason Haines, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division; and Bigger.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – A conservation officer quickly jumped into action and extinguished an engine fire at the scene of a crash in Traverse City, possibly saving a life.

Conservation officer Logan Turner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources received a DNR Lifesaving Award for his quick response, according to a news release.

On Feb. 1, 2024, Turner responded to a two-vehicle crash on West South Airport Road, near Eastward Drive in Traverse City.

Grand Traverse Central Dispatch reported that both drivers were injured and pinned in their vehicles.

When Turner arrived, an emergency medical technician asked him to hold one of the drivers in a stable position. As he approached the vehicle, its engine burst into flames.

Turner quickly retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol truck and put out the fire, preventing it from spreading – potentially saving the driver’s life.

Both drivers were extracted and transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

“The department is proud of CO Turner’s quick thinking and action, which prevented this situation from becoming much worse,” said Chief Jason Haines, DNR Law Enforcement Division.

Justine Lofton

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