Bryce Greschke, Storm Water Supervisor for the City of Poway, was on his way to work after the holiday on July 5. He stopped when he noticed significant debris on the road. He saw a fire-engulfed truck that had hit a tree head-on. The driver was having trouble exiting the truck because of the crash with the tree. The smell of chlorine and pool chemicals was overwhelming, making it difficult for Bryce to see and breathe.

Given his role with the City of Poway, he quickly realized the urgency with the combination of the truck on fire and pool chemicals spilled everywhere — and how quickly the fire would escalate and take-over the entire truck. He forced the driver’s door open just enough to get the driver out and away just before the truck became fully engulfed in fire. Both he and the driver immediately began struggling with breathing and vision due to the pool supplies spill. Bryce felt the was sopping wet, removed the driver’s pool-chemical-soaked jacket, and used a bottle of water to help clean out the driver’s eyes and face. Not only did Bryce save a life that day, but he remained on scene realizing that this chemical spill needed to be contained before it hit storm water drains. He assisted in leading emergency personnel and hazmat crews in containing the chemical spill.

Since the incident, Bryce received a promotion with the City of Poway and was recognized by the Poway City Council for his bravery.