Yahoo TV

A police officer pulled a man from a burning car wreck in Howell, New Jersey, on November 21, the Howell Township Police Department said in a statement.

Bodycam and dashcam footage show Officer Nicholas Volpe pulling the driver out of the vehicle.

According to a Facebook post by the police department, Officer Volpe had been on a routine patrol when he came across the burning car.

“The door was crushed closed,” wrote the department. “Officer Volpe determined the driver was conscious and instructed him to climb out the window. However, the interior damage prevented him from doing so. Officer Volpe reached in and grabbed the driver under his arms and pulled him through the window … the vehicle was quickly consumed in flames shortly thereafter.”

Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said, “This incident once again highlights the bravery of police officers every day across this country,” according to the Facebook post. “The quick and decisive actions of Officer Volpe undoubtedly saved this man’s life. He is a prime example of a true hero. I’m certainly proud of him.”

According to police, the 62-year-old driver said he crashed because he was distracted by his cellphone. Credit: Howell Township Police Department via Storyful