Cookeville, TN – At approximately 12:30 AM on September 27, 2021, officers responded to West 9th Street in reference to a motor vehicle crash. Officer David Baker was the first to arrive on scene just after the arrival of an ambulance from Putnam County Emergency Medical Service (EMS).
Officer Baker quickly realized that one of the vehicles was on fire. He retrieved his department issued fire extinguisher from the cargo area of his patrol vehicle and attempted to put out the fire. While doing this, EMS Paramedic Justin Remillard told Officer Baker that the driver was still inside the vehicle. Officer Baker used a second fire extinguisher to hold back the flames on the driver side of the vehicle while Rimillard opened the driver’s door. As the door opened, the driver side front tire exploded before Officer Baker used his department issued seatbelt tool to cut the driver’s seatbelt and pull the unconscious driver out of the burning vehicle to safety.
Both Officer Baker and Paramedic Rimillard showed great bravery by putting their own safety aside as they courageously took action to help save the life of the driver.
The motor vehicle crash remains under investigation so no additional information can be released at this time. If anyone witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken with police, please call the Cookeville Police Department at 931-526-2125