RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A national police group is honoring a Virginia State Police trooper who rescued a 3-year-old girl from a burning car.The American Association of State Troopers has named 44-year-old Trooper Kurt Johnson as its 2010 Trooper of the Year.
Johnson pulled the child out of the burning car after the girl's mother and two siblings were able to escape following a crash in Pastoria on Feb. 6, 2009.
Troopers association President Tommy Moore said Tuesday that Johnson's quick thinking saved a child's life.
Johnson received the award last week during a luncheon in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. In December, he received a Carnegie medal for heroism.
Johnson was also among other outstanding police officers who received the 2010 National Association of Police Organization (NAPO) TOP COPS award presented by President Obama. The ceremony was held in May at the White House Rose Garden.
"VIRGINIA
Virginia State Police
Trooper Kurt Johnson
Case: Trooper Johnson was on routine patrol when he happened upon the crash and saw the overturned vehicle on fire. Johnson crawled in through the passenger window. The interior was completely filled with smoke and flames. Johnson found the little girl wedged under the front dash and pulled her to safety just seconds before the entire car was engulfed in fire. That day, February 6, 2009, turned out to be the child’s third birthday."
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