Rookie New Bedford Cop Earns Bravery Award For Saving Man’s Life

A young New Bedford police officer has been honored for his heroism and bravery after saving the life of a man who was trapped inside a burning wreck.

Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro recently bestowed rookie patrol officer Tyler White with the department's prestigious Life Saving Award, an honor reserved for those who act selflessly and with great courage to save the life of another.

Early on May 1, Officer White responded to a single motor vehicle accident on Turner Street. A vehicle had struck a tree and was fully engulfed in flames. Without hesitation and regard for his own safety, Officer White ran to the burning car and after several attempts was able to remove the driver and administered lifesaving measures. The driver suffered serious lower body injuries from being trapped under the dashboard, according to a news release from the department.

During a ceremony outside police headquarters, Chief Cordeiro applauded Officer White “for stepping up when the moment of truth called for decisive action."

Officer White graduated from police academy and joined the department just last July.

"Like many other officers who carry that white and red ribbon on their chests, walk with your head high and pride in your heart that a man lives today because of you,” Cordeiro said.