Airman intervenes after fiery highway crash

by Senior Airman Chelsea Smith
514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

9/27/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The morning of Sept. 7 began normal for Senior Airman Chad Turko, 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-10 crew chief, who left his home in Rockaway Township, N.J. to attend unit training assembly here. Suddenly deterred by ominous smoke on the horizon, Turko encountered a surreal scene unfolding in real time while traveling southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Approaching exit seven, he drove upon an overturned 18-wheeler tractor trailer engulfed in flames under an overpass surrounded by excessive debris and papers strewn about the area. The intense flames from the burning truck caused structural damage to the bridge.

Venturing towards the site of the accident, he immediately felt the impact of the smoldering heat. As Turko approached the damaged 18-wheeler, he noticed a man slumped over inside the burning tractor trailer, he said.

"The scene was unfathomable," Turko said. "There was a huge cloud of thick black smoke, so thick you could barely see the car in front of you."

As a registered emergency medical technician for two years and a firefighter for three years, Turko instinctively grabbed his EMT bag and swiftly pulled the injured man from the truck's cab, now severely engulfed in flames.

"I immediately felt concern for whoever was inside that truck," he said. "My only thought was to jump out of the car to do anything I could to rescue and help the man."

With an EMT bag and sense of urgency, Turko immediately began rendering emergency care to stabilize the injured man before first responders arrived. Fortunately, he was able to determine that the driver had no apparent concussion and continued to clean his wounds. Turko determined that the driver suffered a head laceration and other minor injuries. A second vehicle involved in the accident had its entire left side shattered, leaving debris strewn all over the roadway. The driver from that vehicle emerged unharmed, he said.

Reports quickly spread of Turko's courageous actions and he was promptly recognized by Col. Michael Underkofler, 514th Air Mobility Wing commander at the quarterly commander's call and within his own squadron by Maj. Joseph Zackaricz, 714th AMXS commander.

"I believe his actions were absolutely heroic," said Maj. Joseph Zackaricz, 714th AMXS commander. "Regardless of his training, I believe he would have stopped even if he had not been a three year first responder."

Turko's proactive intervention saved lives and prevented casualties. He attributes his actions to holding a steadfast moral code of responsibility.

"I didn't waste time trying to make a decision," he said. "I had the skills and ability to intervene and I was raised to help people whenever you're capable."

Throughout the chaos, other vehicles diverted to side lanes to drive past the accident site. No other vehicle stopped to assist Turko or the driver. Shortly after the accident, police and emergency responders arrived to assess the scene and take statements from witnesses, said Turko.

"His actions not only bring great pride to the 714th AMXS, but they are a true testament to the caliber of people we have in our units," said Zackaricz. "I continue to hear and experience story after story of how our folks have taken care of each other, or have gone above and beyond to help others even at their own peril. I have been to the desert with these men and women and have witnessed their selfless sacrifices. Turko is another great example of how awesome our Airmen are."