Here’s a heartwarming story from California, USA.
An off-duty correctional officer from Salinas Valley State Prison is being praised for his heroic actions in rescuing two teenage girls from a scary car crash.
Officer Grady with Anna / Credit: CDCR
Officer Grady was driving with his K-9 partner, Anna, when he witnessed a Honda CRV lose control on Highway 25. The vehicle swerved into a ditch, overturned several times, and hit a power pole before landing on its side. Soon after, smoke and flames started emerging from the wreckage, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Without any hesitation, Officer Grady pulled over, called 911, and rushed towards the smoking vehicle. Inside, he found two teenage girls who were conscious but trapped. Using his training and quick decision-making skills, he assessed the situation and managed to rescue both teens through the sunroof, just in time before the flames spread.
After getting to a safe distance, Officer Grady brought the girls to the back of his vehicle, where K-9 Anna provided comfort and companionship during the stressful situation. Anna, a trained support dog, offered a soothing presence with her gentle demeanor, giving cuddles and kisses to the shaken teens.
Officer Grady contacted the girls’ parents and stayed with them until emergency responders arrived. The parents reached the scene soon after and personally thanked Grady and Anna for their life-saving actions and emotional support.
In a touching message, one of the crash victims expressed:
“Thank you, Officer Grady and Anna. You were like angels sent by God. May God bless you and your amazing companion. I am so thankful for the comfort and support you provided me and my friend… Anna was so loving. It felt like she could sense the trauma we had just experienced and comforted us with kisses and cuddles.”
The teenagers are grateful to the duo for saving their lives.
“I will always be thankful… You truly were our guardian angel and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I thank God every day for blessing us with Officer Grady and Anna; they are real heroes.”
Photo and story via CDCR
