Crime & Safety

Vote for Officer Who Tried to Free Driver from Burning Car

A Prince George's County Police officer who was burned while trying to rescue a driver trapped in a burning car has been nominated as a hero in an insurance company's contest.

A veteran Prince George’s County Police officer is a candidate for a national life-saving award, and residents can vote for him to receive the honor.

Capt. John Boesman, a 22-year veteran of the department, suffered burns to his face and hands while trying to free a driver from a burning car on March 18, 2013. He has since been nominated as a hero in California Casualty's monthly "Nominate your Hero" contest.

The SUV hit a guard rail just before the overpass to the Beltway on the MLK Highway and caught fire with the driver trapped inside. Three Prince George’s County police officers tried to rescue the driver, with help from a motorist who stopped at the scene, but the driver died in the fiery crash. He was identified as Rodwell McNeill Jr., 70, of the 7900 block of Dellwood Avenue in Glenarden.

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The department is urging residents to vote for Boesman in the contest.

Boesman suffered second-degree burns to his hands and the right side of his face and several lacerations to his hands in his efforts to free the trapped driver, the insurance company’s website says. Boesman was treated at an area hospital for his burns, but was unable to return to full duty for about three weeks.

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