VIDEO: Good Samaritan helps pull driver from fiery crash on I-94 in St. Paul

Kadir Tolla says he was on his way to visit a couple of clients in St. Paul when he came across a crash, moments after it happened. "I saw a car on fire. Then I said somebody is probably in there," Tolla told FOX 9. The Minnesota State Patrol says a Honda ran off the road on I-94 near Snelling Avenue, hit a light pole and burst into flames around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Tolla was one of several Good Samaritans who pulled over and ran to help. "That could be me one day. What would happen if I was in that situation and my life was in the hands of strangers that I don't even know," said Tolla. Tolla says the bystanders tried frantically to get the driver out. "He was awake. He was saying pull me out, pull me out, pull me out," said Tolla. But the door was blocked by the guardrail. "We could crack the door a bit and give him a little air," said Tolla.
KMSP-TV FOX 9 Minneapolis

St. Cloud Fire Department Welcomes Eight Members to New Roles in Promotion Ceremony

Eight St. Cloud Fire Department members were officially welcomed into new roles during a promotion ceremony on Friday. Fire Chief Matt Love spoke with KNSI News moments after the event to highlight those who stepping into new positions. “It just takes a special person to want to take on more. And for all of them, it’s been about service to the community. It’s been about how can I take care of our firefighters better? How can I take care of people?” Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Lorenz was one of those sworn in. “I never imagined that I would reach the role of Deputy Chief, but I am happy to do it and proud to serve.” He’s spent about 15 years with the department. Despite already having the title for a few months, he says holding the ceremony lets it sink in.
KNSI-AM 1450/FM 99.3 St. Cloud

Non-profit re-trains Duluth first responders on school safety

VIDEO: A non-profit dedicated to strengthening crisis response protocols sat down with Duluth’s first responders, talking about school safety. “It has really given us the opportunity to kind of refocus, kind of hit that reset, and all get on the same page,” said Chief Shawn Krizaj, with the Duluth Fire Department. Inside the DECC Wednesday, hundreds of local first responders from across the country met with the “I Love You Guys” Foundation. There they revisited what to do when an emergency call is made to a school. “It’s not just for a shooting event,” Krizaj said. It can also be used for things as minor as a student throwing up or an animal on the playground.” No matter the hazard, police, fire, and EMS departments must have three things in common for the most proactive outcome: teaching, strategy, and language.
KBJR-TV NBC 6 Duluth

Generational Ties: Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department fights flames alongside family

VIDEO: For some people, the idea of working with family may sound like an invitation for fighting, but if those fights are with flames, relatives may be what the workplace needs. Jim Theodore has spent 49 years as a firefighter and is now the Chief of the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department. “When I was nine years old, there was a fire at my neighbor’s house, and I saw the fire truck pull up, and I knew that was for me,” said Chief Theodore. “It hasn’t left ever since.” In the last six months, his burning passion for putting out flames has set his family tree ablaze when Jim’s daughter, Erin, began volunteering. “I loved hanging out at the fire hall,” said Erin. “I would occasionally miss the school bus when I have to walk to the Virginia Fire Department. Hang out until I can get a ride home." Now all of Erin’s kids are grown, so she said there was no better time to start. One of her sons, Corbin, is just as drawn to the flames as she is.
KBJR-TV NBC 6 Duluth