Lawmen battle car fire, assist in rescue

GAINESVILLE - Hall County sheriff's deputies and Oakwood police officers recently battled a car fire and assisted in rescuing the driver.

It happened just before midnight on Dec. 6 after the lawmen were dispatched to McEver Road near the Allen Circle interesection.

"Arriving on the scene before firemen, the Hall County deputies and Oakwood police officers discovered that a 1998 Buick Century had left the roadway and struck a tree, trapping the female driver inside," said Hall County Sheriff's Office spokesman Stephen Wilbanks. "Making matters much worse, the vehicle's engine compartment had caught fire and the flames were threatening to engulf the passenger area."

Sgt. Wilbanks said the officers used fire extinguishers from their patrol cars to try and put the fire out while also trying to stabilize the woman.

"They continued their efforts, eventually expending five fire extinguishers in process, until the arrival of Hall County Fire Engine number four. The deputies quickly assumed duties manning a fire hose from the engine, thereby freeing the fire fighters to tend to the injured driver. With the fire successfully extinguished, fire fighters were able to extricate the driver from the wreckage and transport her to a medical facility for treatment."

Deputies involved in the incident were Cpl. Ryan Provost, Charles Wallace, and
Mark Mason. Oakwood Police officers responding were Jason Crowder and Jeff Scott.