AAA Western and Central New York held a ceremony on Friday, January 22 to recognize the heroic actions of AAA roadside technician Scott Swank, who pulled two occupants from a burning vehicle in Syracuse on December 26.

On the day after Christmas, Swank was parked in a AAA vehicle waiting for his next road service call when he witnessed a speeding car crash, flip over and catch fire in Syracuse. He sprang into action, risking his own life, to pull two passengers from the burning vehicle with the help of other Good Samaritans.

“He and other witnesses worked to free two people from the burning vehicle,” explained AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO Tony Spada. “Scott ran back to his truck to grab a tool he uses to remove tires – he used it to smash open the driver’s side window. He then used his own personal pocket knife to cut the driver’s seat belt.”

Swank is a volunteer firefighter in Phoenix, New York and has also volunteered in Cicero, New York. However, as Louis DiPalma, president of the board of directors for AAA Western and Central New York pointed out during the award ceremony, Swank didn’t have his protective gear or fellow firefighters by his side, but that didn’t stop him. “I’m told that your boots were melted and your Carhartt overalls were burned following the incident. A news report said your beard was even scorched,” explained DiPalma. “Those are vivid examples of the way in which you risked your life to help others in a life-threatening situation.”

DiPalma announced that AAA Western and Central New York board of directors will donate $1,000 to the fire department of Swank’s choice as a result of his selfless act of heroism. One person was saved from the fiery crash, while the other occupant, unfortunately, passed away at the hospital.

The award presentation was conducted partially in-person and virtually, with social distancing, allowing participation from several areas, including Heathrow, Florida where AAA’s national headquarters are located. Margaret Pittelkow, vice president of AAA Automotive joined via Zoom to speak directly to Swank. “When we hear of the heroic activity that you took it makes us stop and pause and remember that people like you, first responders, the unsung heroes, make a difference in our everyday lives and help preserve what AAA is known for and that’s safety and security.”

When Swank risked his life to help others, he struggled to free the victims from the vehicle and quickly overcame that challenge by using any means possible to break the car window and cut the seat belt. “Scott you identified a gap within our AAA trucks,” said Steve Finch, vice president of automotive services at AAA Western and Central New York. “I’m pleased to announce that AAA is equipping all of its trucks with a window breaker/seatbelt cutter tool kit upon the request of Scott.”

“Having these life-saving tools in all of our trucks across Western and Central New York will go a long way in protecting others in the future,” he added. Pittelkow responded, “We will be working with AAA Western and Central New York to try to get this tool across AAA in over 50,000 vehicles so that is what our goal is going to be - to get that tool into every single vehicle.”

Swank was presented with the charitable donation to benefit a regional fire company, a framed letter from AAA national’s office and a gift certificate to enjoy some relaxation at Turning Stone Casino, a AAA Four Diamond property.