WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Washington County donated a totaled patrol vehicle to Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) for extrication training. A rescue that happened two years ago inspired the donation.
In April 2020, a drunk driver slammed into a Washington County Sheriff's deputy vehicle around 100 mph. Deputy Mike Trotter was pinned inside. Five teenagers were in the car and two were killed. The driver was convicted of manslaughter and DUII, and sentenced to 25 years in prison. A crew with TVF&R rescued Trotter from his vehicle. They extricated him from the crumpled SUV while contending with the cage-like interior unique to patrol vehicles.
"I appreciate them saving my life. They went in not knowing how they were going to get me out of the car," Trotter said. "Their extensive knowledge on scene is 100% what saved my life that night."
The goal now is to grow first responders' knowledge about rescuing people trapped inside police vehicles.
"It's very important. Those vehicles are designed differently, they have a little more armor in them," said Clete Schmitke, an apparatus operator and technical team member with TVF&R.
Schmitke said fire crews will use the jaws of life and other tools in their arsenal to train on the patrol rig until there's nothing left.
"There are four doors on it and a roof and all kinds of stuff," Schmitke said. "We would like to integrate all three shifts into getting a chance to cut on the cars if we can, especially something rare like this."
As for Trotter, his recovery has been slow but steady. He just returned to full-time modified duty and he's using an ExoSym brace on his leg to regain strength lost during severe injuries. His sights are set on returning to patrol when the time is right. Trotter hanks his family, including his 5-year-old son for helping, him get there.
"He is one of my biggest motivators. He's super excited that daddy's a police officer and that's all he wants to talk about," Trotter said.