An Army football player and his father are being hailed as heroes after pulling a man from a fiery wreck just outside West Point. Sophomore safety Larry Pickett Jr. and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., rushed to help after witnessing a crash shortly after midnight on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery.
A car had struck a utility pole, scattering live wires across the road and sparking near the vehicle. Without hesitation, the Picketts ran to the driver’s side, dragged the man from the smoking car, and carried him to safety moments before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Pickett Jr.’s sister, Lauren, recorded the dramatic rescue on her phone.
Once the driver became conscious, the men started to ask him some questions. The driver stated that he consumed no alcohol or medication before he began driving. The driver was very confused and disoriented when he woke, having no idea what brought his car into the crash.
The young cadet credited his training at the U.S. Military Academy for preparing him to act in the moment. Leaders at West Point and Army athletics praised the rescue, saying it reflected the institution’s values of duty, honor, and country. Pickett Jr. had played in the team’s season opener just a day earlier, showing his commitment both on the field and in service to others.
