How to save a life

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - On Monday they shared a handshake.

It was a far cry from a night two months ago when all they shared was a desire to help.

They didn't plan on being heroes that August night, but who could've guessed that an 18-year old would pick then to start driving home the wrong way down Interstate 75.

Eventually the worst happened.

At that moment David Holmes was on his way home, while Brad Stock was headed to work, but fate had other plans for them.

"We both leaped into action and did what we thought was best and did what we hope somebody would do for our families," Holmes says.

Holmes was the first one to happen upon the vehicle wedged under a semi and on fire, the driver still alive.   

"I just ran to him and attempted to pull him as hard as I could," Holmes says. "Couldn't make much progress."

That's when Stock, a Five Rivers MetroParks officer, stopped.

He may have been running late for work, but in many ways he was right on time.

"I had to do something," Stock says. "I saw the car was on fire. I knew if nobody acted quickly both occupants would have died."

Sadly the passenger, 39-year old Chereese Rule couldn't be saved.

But the two pulled the driver to safety. He was badly injured but is since recovering.

"I can't stress enough the actions of these two men directly contributed to the driver of the vehicle surviving the crash," said one Ohio State Highway Patrolman.

Holmes and Stock were honored Monday by OSP for their actions.

Both shared something else aside from that handshake, a humbleness about what they did.

The victim couldn't make it but sent along his thanks.

"I was told I'll be getting Christmas cards for a long time," Holmes says. "He and his family both were appreciative."

Troopers say they're still waiting on toxicology results before bringing any charges against the driver who caused the crash, Rachel Schidecker.