DETROIT – In frantic moments during a January crash and car fire, Detroit firefighter Donald Faulkner heard screams coming from inside a burning vehicle and rushed in to help.
“I heard screaming and asking for help,” Faulkner said.
Faulkner said he didn’t hesitate.
“I look at all the citizens like family. I look at it like it was my own mom and I just wanted to help her,” Faulkner said.
Fire officials say Faulkner made split-second decisions to reach Latashia Collins, who was trapped inside. He broke a rear window, climbed into the vehicle, unlocked the door, and, along with his crew, pulled Collins to safety.
For Collins’ daughter, Tanisha Morgan, the video is hard to watch.
“Hearing my momma scream like that was very traumatizing,” Morgan said.
Collins remains hospitalized and faces a long recovery. Her family says she suffered third-degree burns across her face and body, along with multiple fractures. They say she also had fingers removed and is now relearning how to stand.
This week, Collins was able to meet Faulkner for the first time in her hospital room and thank him for saving her life.
“You saved me. Pulled me out of that burned car, it’s the best thing ever,” Collins said.
On Friday, Collins’ family joined Detroit firefighters and her medical team at Engine 40 on Dexter, where department leaders recognized Faulkner for his quick actions and heroism.
“When you actually get to see a bad situation like that, and you get to see people recover, it gives you strength and hope,” Faulkner said. “Like, hey, this job is worth doing.”
Morgan said the recognition is well deserved.
“I feel like firefighters don’t get the recognition that they deserve,” Morgan said. “They are really the heroes. They really do sacrifice a lot to save other people.”
Collins’ family says she remains determined and inspired as she continues to heal.
She is expected to transition to a rehabilitation center soon, and her family says she has promised to visit the crew at Engine 40 once she’s feeling stronger.