Georgia game warden, trooper honored for rescuing driver from fiery crash

GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. - A Georgia game warden and state trooper have been honored with the Acts of Heroism Award by Gov. Brian Kemp for saving a truck driver from a fiery crash.

On Nov. 22, 2023, Game Warden Matt Tsiklistas and Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Ty Brooks were on patrol in Glynn County when a call came out about a crash on Georgia 25.

When both men got to the scene, the pickup truck that was lodged under the dump truck burst into flames, sending fire shooting from the front of the truck.

Both officers jumped into action, with Tsiklistas grabbing the injured driver and pulling him away from the smoke while Brooks shielded them from the flames.

To make matters worse, the men had to dodge bullets after the fire began to heat up and set off ammunition in the truck.

Thankfully, they were able to make it away from the flames and get the injured driver to safety as Fire and EMS began to arrive at the scene. 

"There is no doubt that the quick response of both officers, and the disregard for their own personal safety, saved the life of the pickup driver and possibly others," the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wrote on Facebook.

(Georgia DNR)

Last week, Tsiklistas and Brooks were honored at the Governor’s Public Safety Awards ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. 

"We are very proud of the heroic actions of Game Warden Tsiklistas and Trooper Brooks," DNR officials wrote. "Both officers are truly deserving of this award!"