Photo By Sgt. Andrew Cortez | U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, the formal marksmanship training center staff...... read more read more
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On Dec. 7, when a car burst into flames on the side of a road and threatened the life of an 18-month-old child, a Marine sprang into action to help.
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, the formal marksmanship training center staff noncommissioned officer in charge with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was on what he thought would be a typical drive home when he witnessed a gas can fall out of a nearby truck. The can became lodged underneath the car in front of him – the car of the Hurley family. Sparks began to fly underneath the car and a fire immediately erupted.
“All I could think at first was what the heck happened?” said Wetter. “Immediately, I was like I need to help them any way I can.”
The driver of the car, Anthony Hurley, then slammed the brakes and pulled over, causing Wetter to do the same. Wetter ran to the car and began analyzing the situation. The extinguisher Wetter attempted to use was no match for the fire, which at this point had too much fuel. It was then that he heard the child’s mother shout out for her baby. The father, Anthony, was already there trying to get the child out with no success. Wetter noticed that the car seat would not disengage from the base. At that point, Wetter tried to unbuckle the seat belt, but to no avail. He then grabbed his pocketknife to cut the seat belt and free the child.
“His preparedness is what resulted in a positive outcome,” said Capt. John Choi, the public information officer with North Country Fire Protection District.
According to Choi, had Wetter not been there to assist, there would have probably been parents with burn marks or smoke inhalation due to a delayed rescue attempt and a rapidly growing fire.
“I am an infantryman, so obviously our training is to react to contact,” said Wetter. “We get taught at an early age in the Marine Corps to react to situations.”
Though Wetter has had no formal training in firefighting, he was able to assess the situation and figure out the best way to help. He credits his job training for his ability to react at a moment’s notice. According to Wetter, his mentality was instilled in boot camp, and he has carried it with him throughout his military career.
“I am forever grateful for Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter,” said Hurley. “He came at a time of need for my family.”
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2020 09:24 |
| Story ID: | 385577 |
| Location: | CA, US |
| Web Views: | 305 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Pendleton Marine saves trapped baby from burning car, by Cpl Alison Dostie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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