Officers Save Driver from a Burning Car in Cortland Ohio

Officers John Mosora and Chuck Lohry received a Life Saving Award for their heroic actions during a vehicle fire in Cortland, Ohio.

by Admin

Jan 16, 2026

Late on the night of December 27, 2025, a quiet evening turned into a race against time. At about 11:11 P.M., the Trumbull County 911 center received an urgent call about a fire near State Route 5 and Bradley Brownlee Road. In moments like these, every second matters for those in danger. Two dedicated members of the Cortland Police Department were the first to arrive at the scene of the emergency.

A Dangerous Scene on Bradley Brownlee Road

When Officer John Mosora and Officer Chuck Lohry pulled up, they found a frightening sight. A car had crashed through a fence and flipped onto its side. To make matters worse, the vehicle was already starting to burn. The driver was trapped inside and could not get out on his own. Because the car was on its side, the doors were stuck, making the situation even more critical for the first responders.

Heroic Actions and Quick Thinking

Officer Mosora knew he had to act immediately to get the driver out. He used a specialized window puncher tool to break through the sunroof of the car. Despite the smoke and flames, he climbed in to reach the injured man. While this was happening, Officer Lohry used his fire extinguisher to keep the flames back so his partner could work safely. Officer Mosora eventually dragged the driver out of the vehicle and away from the fire. Chief David Morris later noted that in a case where a vehicle is on fire, time is obviously of the essence.

Honor and Recovery for Local Heroes

The driver survived the crash with significant injuries and was treated by the fire departments that arrived shortly after the rescue. Officer Mosora also had minor injuries from the intense effort. On January 5, both officers were presented with a Life Saving Award by the City of Cortland. Officer Mosora remained humble about the event, giving all the glory to God for being in the right place at the right time. The Cortland Police Department shared that the officers were grateful for the equipment and training that allowed them to help.

Building Trust Through Brave Service

The bravery shown by these officers is a perfect example of how the police protect our neighborhoods every day. By risking their own safety, they turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival. These moments remind us all of the importance of the human side of policing and the strong bond between officers and the people they serve. It is through these selfless acts that we truly see the value of our local heroes. To read more inspiring accounts of officers going above and beyond, please visit our collection of police success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do police departments prepare for vehicle fire rescues?

Police officers often undergo specialized training to handle various roadside emergencies, including fires. This includes learning how to use fire extinguishers and tools like window punchers or belt cutters. Many departments also participate in joint training exercises with fire departments to improve coordination during high-stress scenes. This preparation ensures that officers can act as soon as they arrive on the scene.

2. What should I do if I see a car fire on the highway?

If you see a vehicle fire, the most important step is to call emergency services immediately through a center like Trumbull County 911. Stay at a safe distance, as car fires can be unpredictable and produce toxic smoke. If it is safe to do so, provide the dispatcher with your exact location and any details about whether people are trapped inside. Do not put yourself in danger if you do not have the proper safety equipment.

3. Why is police department funding important for emergency response?

Proper funding allows departments to purchase essential life-saving tools, such as heavy-duty fire extinguishers and vehicle extrication equipment. It also covers the cost of ongoing training for officers so they stay sharp on the latest rescue techniques. When a community invests in its police, they are providing the officers with the resources needed to save lives during accidents and fires.

4. What are the common vehicle extrication techniques used by first responders?

First responders use various methods to remove people from damaged cars, ranging from simple hand tools to hydraulic machinery like the "jaws of life." In some cases, as seen in Cortland, an officer might use a window punch to create an entry point through a sunroof or side window. The goal is always to find the fastest and safest path to reach the victim without causing further injury.

5. How does wearing a seatbelt affect survival in a rollover crash?

The importance of wearing seatbelts cannot be overstated, especially in crashes where a vehicle flips over. A seatbelt keeps the driver and passengers from being thrown around the interior or ejected from the car. While it can sometimes make it harder to get out of a flipped car, it significantly increases the chance that the person remains conscious and able to wait for help to arrive.

6. What are some basic car fire safety tips for drivers?

Drivers should always carry a small fire extinguisher in their vehicle and know how to use it. If you smell smoke or see flames while driving, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and get all passengers out of the car immediately. Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle and stay uphill and upwind to avoid smoke and potential explosions.