Emergency Response Operator Carlos Campos Saves KCPD Officers from Rolling F-150

There’s never a dull moment for emergency response operators – unfortunately, many of these moments are dangerous and threaten the safety of those involved. But without these brave responders, the outcomes of traffic incidents could be much more severe.

On the evening of Sunday, Oct. 25, Emergency Response Operator Carlos Campos learned this first hand and his quick thinking and swift action was nothing short of life saving.

Carlos came upon a Ford F-150 blocking the northbound Interstate 435 on-ramp from 87^th St. as several Kansas City Police Department officers arrived on scene. As the officers approached the driver of the truck, Carlos remained in his emergency response truck ready to assist as needed.

The driver showed signs of intoxication and was disoriented. As KCPD attempted to pull the driver out of the truck, the vehicle began rolling back pulling the officers with it. Carlos, fearful that the truck would roll over the officers, quickly pulled his own truck up to stop the rolling F-150 and potentially saving the lives of the officers involved.

Carlos says that you have to be aware of all possible situations when working this field.

 “I was just doing what I was trained to do; be a quick responder, be aware of your surroundings, pay attention at all times, never turn your back at the traffic, and look out for each other so that we can all go home safe," he explains.

“Carlos is one of our newer operators, but his quick actions helped affirm to supervisors that we are training our employees to not only be good operators, but good people and citizens,” explains KC Scout Incident Management Coordinator Marcus Slaughter.

 “We emphasize how important it is to have each other’s back, which includes law enforcement, fire, towing, and motorists. Having our heads on a swivel let’s us see things, safety things, that others might miss,” Marcus finishes.

After the truck was stopped, Carlos was also able to translate for the F-150 driver, who did not speak English, allowing him to better communicate with the KCPD officers and clear the scene.

In addition to the numerous in-person thanks Carlos received from the officers at the scene, he also received a letter from the Kansas City Police Department's Major Keith Kirchhoff.

"Your quick thinking and actions prevented injuries and may have saved the lives of our officers working that night. Your actions in this matter did not go unnoticed and I wish to commend you for your actions. On behalf of the Kansas City, MO Police Department, please accept my thank you and appreciation for your assistance in our officer's safety and work." says Kirchhoff.

Emergency Response operators put their own safety on the line every day to help others during traffic incidents. Carlos’ actions are a prime example of what emergency response operators face daily and his quick actions were certainly heroic.

"One thing that I will never forget is how many times the KCPD officers thanked me that evening. No one has ever thanked me that much in my life,” Carlos finishes.