Three local men were recognized on Monday at the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s fire‑commissioner meeting for a heroic act that likely saved a life. Captain Cameron Smith presented Austin Butcher, Dustin Arndt and Christian Bilbrey with the SVFD Life Safety Award, citing their quick thinking and initiative during a dangerous collision on June 16.
Incident details
On June 16, a speeding vehicle lost control near the intersection of Appleway and Farr, rolled over multiple times and came to rest on a woman inside the car. The crash occurred the same day the Upriver Fire ignited in Spokane County, stretching emergency crews thin as evacuations were underway.
“We had several resources, Valley fire resources, up helping Fire District Nine fight that fire. So when this call came in, I was on Valley Engine Two,” Capt. Smith explained. “We had resources in route, and so they weren’t far behind a couple minutes, but in our line of work, seconds matter.”
Civilian response
After arriving on scene, Butcher, Arndt and Bilbrey saw the woman trapped beneath the overturned vehicle. Recognizing the urgency, they retrieved a heavy‑duty floor jack and positioned it to lift the car enough for firefighters to pull the victim free.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department confirmed that the men’s actions helped reduce the time the woman was trapped, limiting exposure to the hot exhaust system and preventing further injury.
Comments from responders and honorees
“They brought the right tool at the right moment for the exact right call. Rarely in my time as a firefighter have I ever asked civilians to come into an emergency scene and help us render aid. This was one of those times,” Capt. Smith said.
When asked about the experience, Dustin Arndt remained modest: “You know, we really appreciate it. We’re just helping out. We didn’t do too much. They did most of the work.”
Bilbrey added that the woman’s screams for help prompted the trio to act immediately. “Civilians made a big difference in this call. And they have, and they will in the future. It just goes to the good people of Spokane Valley for lending a hand, so thank you,” Smith concluded.
Community impact
The award highlights the vital role that ordinary citizens can play in emergency situations, especially when professional responders are stretched thin. It also underscores the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s commitment to recognizing and encouraging community involvement in public safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local emergency protocols and to consider basic first‑aid training, which can make a critical difference when professional help is moments away.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
