Cape May Police Officer Scott Krissinger admits that he had “a million things going” through his head Monday night when he pulled up next to a burning truck on Sunset Boulevard in West Cape May. But fortunately for the man trapped inside the vehicle, Krissinger didn’t dwell on those thoughts and acted immediately.
“I just remember the smoke coming out,” Krissinger said. “I couldn’t see anything.’
Krissinger sprinted towards the vehicle, pulled the unconscious driver out to safety and then ran back to check if there were any other passengers inside.
“When I went to the passenger seat, again, I couldn’t see anything,” Krissinger said.
The incredible rescue was captured on the dashboard cam of Krissinger’s patrol vehicle.
“He didn’t hesitate,” said Cape May Police Captain Rob Sheehan. “He’s a hero in every sense of the word and we’re very happy to have him as a member of our department.”
Krissinger, a seven-year veteran, insists however that he was merely doing his job.
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“I think any of the officers at the Cape May Police Department would’ve done the same thing,” Krissinger said. “I truly do. It just happened to me.”
The driver, identified as 61-year-old Gerald Ferrill of Mays Landing, was taken to the hospital where he is in critical, but stable condition. Witnesses told police that he was driving his truck with a flat tire and strange sounds were coming from the engine area prior to the fire.
“I would have to think the driver didn’t have much longer to stay in that situation without facing serious bodily injury,” Captain Sheehan said. “We’re very proud of him, obviously. He’s a credit to law enforcement as a whole.”
Despite being hailed a hero, Krissinger remains humble.
“I think there are heroes every day,” he said. “I just happened to be caught on camera doing it.”
