Brighten Your Day

With Fire Raging, Missouri Officer Rushes In to Save A Life

May 20, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Lincoln County, Missouri.

A Missouri police officer is being hailed as a hero after pulling a young man from a burning car—just moments before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.

Photo via Troy Missouri Police Department

On Friday evening, May 10, 2025, a 23-year-old driver crashed his silver Ford Taurus into a tree on Old Moscow Mills Road. The impact was severe, and the car quickly caught fire.

As officers and EMS crews battled the flames, K9 Officer and Police Chaplain Matt Schneider ran toward the burning wreckage without a moment’s hesitation—completely disregarding his own safety.

In a remarkable act of courage, he successfully extracted the trapped driver from the front passenger compartment area and dragged him to safety, away from the rapidly intensifying flames which fully engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle.

“K9 Officer Schneider exemplifies the very best of our department,” said Chief Jeff Taylor. “His selfless actions and quick thinking undoubtedly saved this young man’s life.”

The driver suffered burns and was taken to Mercy St. Louis Hospital. Thanks to Officer Schneider’s courage, he is alive today.

Officer Schneider will be formally honored for his heroic actions in a public ceremony at Troy City Hall.