Correctional Officer Rogelio Tienda of CSP-Corcoran was driving when he passed the scene of an accident. He stopped to offer assistance at the scene of the violent two-car crash and realized, slumped in the driver’s seat of one of the cars was a fellow officer. The car was quickly filling with smoke and a look around determined that the second car appeared to be empty.

With no regard for his own safety, Correctional Officer Tienda began doing everything he could to rescue his fellow officer. Despite his best efforts, Correctional Officer Tienda could not get the door open. He knew there wasn’t time to spare and ran to his car to grab a four-ton jack. After multiple attempts, he was able to break the window and pull the officer from the car just as flames began to engulf it.

As Correctional Officer Tienda was racing against the clock to rescue his fellow officer, two other California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations officers who were driving by stopped to offer their assistance. Those two officers stayed with the severely injured officer in a safe spot as Correctional Officer Tienda noticed someone running from the second car.

With no time to spare, Correctional Officer Tienda took the driver’s seat of his own vehicle and began to chase the person fleeing. The offender had already gotten a mile away. Without hesitation, Correctional Officer Tienda approached the suspect, who appeared to be intoxicated, and ensured he made his way back to the scene of the crime.

The California Highway Patrol arrived to the scene of the crash site and took the suspect into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing major injuries as well as felony hit and run. Correctional Officer Tienda continued to be of great assistance by helping the CHP translate during the interaction and arrest.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital where he was admitted and treated for his serious injuries.

“I was so happy to be there and save him. I would do anything for my partners, I love them,” Tienda said. “Life is meant to be cherished so I would have done this for anyone.”

“The actions of the involved Officers, and their quick reaction during a very stressful and dangerous situation, were nothing short of heroic. The bravery Officer Tienda showed in rescuing the injured Officer and assistance in apprehending a suspect of a felony,” according to a statement issued by CSP-Corcoran. “And not knowing the suspect’s intentions or what he was willing to do to get away, truly shows his selflessness and resolve as a Peace Officer. The officer’s disregard for his own safety to help another, saved the life of the injured officer and should not go unnoticed.”