Off-Duty Firefighter Saved Three People Trapped in a Vehicle

Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized on Friday an off-duty Firefighter who helped save three passengers trapped in a vehicle.

Driver Jeff Bussey was named this week’s Friday’s Hero. Each week Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one public safety employee who goes above the call of duty.

“So often these heroic deeds happen when our police and firefighters are off duty,” Mayor Berry said. It shows the level of commitment they have for the community.”

On July 24, Bussey was off-duty and running errands when he came across a vehicle that had rolled over. He noticed that three passengers - one adult and two children - were stuck inside the vehicle and several bystanders were trying to help the children in the car. Bussey said it appeared the bystanders were their lives and the victims as well.

The firefighter intervened and without supplies he took control of the scene, stopping the pedestrians from hurting themselves and possibly the victims. He called 911, assessed the accident and helped render aid to the victims

“Firefighter Jeff Bussey is a model firefighter,” Deputy Fire Chief Craig Sadberry said. “His actions prevented the victims of the vehicle and the pedestrians to only receiving very minor to no injuries.”