Officer Bravely Rescues Woman from Burning Car in Chester, New York
June 12, 2025
A remarkable act of heroism unfolded in Chester, New York.
Early on Sunday morning, a coordinated effort by police and local citizens averted a potential disaster, rescuing a 68-year-old woman from a burning, overturned vehicle on Kings Highway. Their swift actions transformed a dire situation into a testament of courage and community strength.
Credit: Town of Chester Police Department
The incident began shortly after 4 AM on June 8th, when the Town of Chester Police Department, along with emergency units, responded to a severe crash near Knapps View Park. Initial dispatches reported a rollover accident with a trapped driver, rapidly escalating when flames engulfed the vehicle.
Officer Nicholas Contino, the first on the scene, faced the harrowing sight of the burning wreck. Displaying immediate initiative, Officer Contino entrusted his fire extinguisher to a passing driver before approaching the blaze. Demonstrating resourcefulness, he shattered the sunroof to create an escape route for the trapped victim.
Assistance soon arrived from two passing motorists and a paramedic from Empress EMS. Together, this impromptu rescue team succeeded in extracting the Warwick resident, moving her to safety from the fiery car.
The woman, who suffered burns over a significant portion of her body, was promptly taken to the Burn Unit at Westchester Medical Center. Due to the decisive actions of Officer Contino and the quick-thinking bystanders, she remains in stable condition, underscoring the life-saving impact of their intervention.
The Town of Chester Police Department commended Officer Contino, acknowledging that his “effort greatly increased the motorist’s chances for survival.”
Watch the intense bodycam video below:
