Police officer lauded for heroism

A Ridgeland police officer who risked life and limb to save a stranger from a burning vehicle on I-220 has been recognized by the city.

Officer Victor Andrews responded to a two-vehicle accident on I-220 in February and ran toward a vehicle engulfed in flames with a male victim still inside. The driver's clothing had caught fire.

"Officer Andrews responded quickly, removed the man from the vehicle, extinguished the flames on his clothes and got him a safe distance away from the vehicle," said Lt. Tony Wilridge.

Dashcam footage from Andrews' police cruiser shows a pitch-black night lit up by a vehicle on fire. An officer is seen running from the cruiser to the burning car. Moments later the officer is seen dragging a man out of the vehicle to safety.

Andrews said he knew what he had to do when he pulled up onto the scene.

"I knew when I pulled up and saw the vehicle badly engulfed that I had to see if anyone was in there and get them out," Andrews said. "I couldn't live with myself if I did nothing and someone died in a ball of fire."

Andrews said the man's jeans were caught in the car door and he had to cut them loose. After dragging him a distance from the vehicle he helped extinguish the fire on his clothes. Andrews said he remembers one thing from the moment vividly.

"It was hot," he said.

Andrews did not get the man's name and RPD officials could not release his name without talking to the victim first. Andrews said the man "seemed fine' once he was away from the vehicle and though he would spend some time in the hospital, he had few injuries outside of minor cuts and burns. He said the man was thankful.

For his efforts, Andrews was awarded the Officer of the Month for March by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Gene F. McGee presented Andrews with the award at the last city board meeting in April.

"Due to Officer Andrew's quick response and disregard for his own safety, the life of another human being was saved," McGee said. "His actions are considered heroic and deserving of being selected as Officer of the Month. Congratulations, Officer Andrews."