Suffolk News-Herald

The Virginia Department of Transportation is honoring two employees who risked their lives to save motorists trapped in burning vehicles earlier this year.

Phillip Davis, a bridge tunnel patrol supervisor, and Roy Alexander, an engineer technician, will be receiving heroism awards during a ceremony Friday at VDOT’s Hampton Roads District Office on North Main Street.

Davis’ recognition stems from his actions earlier this month, when he spotted a vehicle on fire near Fourth View Street, said Tiffany M. Elliott, a VDOT spokeswoman. When he arrived at the scene, Davis found a confused gentleman who had crashed into a bush but still had his foot on the gas pedal. With help from two other people, Davis was able to break the rear passenger window of the car and pull the gentleman to safety.

A 20-year VDOT veteran, Alexander is being honored for his January rescue of a family whose minivan erupted into flames, Elliott said. When he realized the occupants were distracted and unaware of the growing flames, Alexander rushed to the vehicle and helped a woman and two small children escape to safety.

Each man will receive a signed letter and a medal from VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet. Their names will also be the first inscribed on a new plaque dedicated to VDOT workers who perform acts of heroism, Elliott said.