Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter honoured an Amherstburg resident and an officer with the Amherstburg detachment of Windsor Police for their heroic, life-saving actions in the aftermath of a fiery explosion.

Ryan Greenham, 36, an employee of Windsor Salt, and Sgt. Matthew Capel-Cure, a police officer of 25 years, pulled a man to safety after a vehicle struck the gas line of a house on County Road 18 in Amherstburg, igniting a blaze that engulfed both the dwelling and vehicle.

Krauter praised Greenham and Capel-Cure for their “courageous” efforts and for going “above and beyond” to rescue a man despite grave risks to their personal safety. He presented each of them with a Chief’s coin and a letter of commendation.

“Your willingness to put your safety at stake to aid another human being is a testament to your extraordinary courage and dedication to the well-being of your fellow citizens,” wrote Krauter in Greenham’s commendation letter. “Your display of bravery is a testament to the strength of character and the remarkable capacity for compassion that resides within you.”

Of Capel-Cure’s heroic actions, Krauter wrote: “Your remarkable ability to assess the situation promptly and execute the necessary measures with precision truly set a standard for professional excellence and service … Your decisive actions and selflessness directly contributed to saving the life of this person, exemplifying your unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.”

Greenham said he was sitting outside his house on June 3 when he heard loud noise nearby and went to investigate. Capel-Cure joined him at the fiery scene shortly after and the two men found a man lying between the burning vehicle and house and dragged him to safety.

Capel-Cure praised Greenham for his actions and said he appreciated the recognition from Krauter and Essex-Windsor EMS. He also praised the Paramedics who attended the scene.

Paramedics Tim Warnholtz and Daina Waterfield attended the chaotic scene and recommended to the Chief that Greenham and Capel-Cure be honoured for their heroic actions.