Trucker honored for pulling two from burning van

csp

The Colorado State Patrol on Monday, Nov. 5, recognized a truck driver who helped save two people from a burning vehicle.

Truck driver Richard Krochta, who drives for Savage Services in Colorado Springs, was driving to work when he drove by the crash site in Teller County in August. Scott Smith and a friend had crashed along Highway 24 when their vehicle exited the road and hit a tree, then caught fire. Krochta stopped and helped them get out of the burning van.

Colorado State Patrol awarded Krochta its Certificate of Honor, which is given to a private citizen or organization which exhibits an exceptional degree of judgment, initiative, and/or competence, reports KOAA News 5.