WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Watertown has honored five Fort Drum soldiers who jumped into action to help the victims of a fiery crash.
At Monday night’s city council meeting, the soldiers each received a special coin from Mayor Jeff Smith after he dedicated the day to them.
It was in recognition for the soldiers’ actions on October 14 after a pickup truck collided with an SUV on Arsenal Street. The soldiers helped get passengers out of the burning truck.
“The moment I saw the driver, I had a moment where I was like, ‘oh, my God, this is happening,’” Spc. Zachary Broxson said. “I saw nobody go in. It was just like, ‘all right, I got to go in there.’”
“I noticed the vehicle was on fire, but it didn’t recognize with me,” Spc. William Berube said. “I thought it wasn’t an important factor. I just needed to help whoever was in the accident.”
“I was nervous,” Spc. Shane Cockerham said, “but I just thought, you know, if it’s not me, then who else?”
For some of the soldiers, recognition was a surprise and, while it’s rewarding, they say they were just happy to help.
Copyright 2021 WWNY. All rights reserved.
