Holyoke’s emergency mgmt. staffer helps out driver in Worcester crash

HOLYOKE — When a traffic light and pole came crashing down on a car in Worcester, trapping its driver, Holyoke's Scott Meyer didn't hesitate.

As smoke billowed and fluids leaked, Meyer pried open the door and pulled the driver to safety — earning praise as a local hero.

Meyer, communications coordinator for Holyoke's emergency management team, was driving through Worcester on Sunday, when he witnessed the car crash that brought down the traffic light onto the car.

He pulled over, assessed the danger, and forced open the car door to free the trapped driver — just minutes before emergency crews arrived.

Meyer remained with the person until police and fire personnel arrived on scene.

His decisive actions are now being hailed by officials and bystanders alike as a textbook example of courage under pressure.

Holyoke Fire Commissioner and Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Trask, along with Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, said Meyer's actions reflect the very best of public service — and that they couldn't be prouder.

"Our (staff and) volunteers are trained to help others — not only in their official capacity in Holyoke, but also in their daily lives," Trask said.

"His willingness to step in during a dangerous situation embodies the values of our emergency management team and the spirit of our community," Garcia said in a statement Monday.

Read the original article on MassLive .