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November 27, 2009 05:30 PM
BY JOE FANTAUZZI
Six York Regional Police officers, who responded to a horrific car crash in Richmond Hill last year, have been awarded medals of bravery by the province.
Constables Sean Boyes, Sean Doran, Gil Farquhar, Wade McGhee, James Ward and Gregory Douglas Whyte were recognized Friday with the Ontario Medal For Police Bravery.
The York officers were included in provincewide group recognized for their bravery.
And, their boss said he couldn't be prouder.
"These are everyday heroes." Chief Armand La Barge said in an interview.
Earlier this year, the officers received the Bravery in the Line of Duty recognition during the annual York Regional Police appreciation night.
On Halloween night 2008, Const. Farquhar was speaking to a few youths near a plaza when he heard the sounds of a crash police later described as horrifying.
Two vehicles - one of them on fire - had collided and trapped three people near Bayview and 16th avenues in Richmond Hill.
Constables Doran, Boyes and Ward arrived moments later. Then, constables White and McGhee arrived.
The officers tried knocking down the fire with extinguishers, but the flames grew hotter.
Constables Farquhar and Boyes reached into the flaming car to save driver Sanaz Dehdar, 20, who was conscious but moaning.
However, the damaged drivers' door could not be opened. With Const. Boyes' help, Const. Farquhar freed her and dragged her 30 feet away from the fire.
Ms Dehdar survived the ordeal.
Meanwhile, Const. Ward could not get by the twisted rear window to reach Atena Arabsalmany, 21. Const. Ward ripped the window from its frame and climbed into the car. Constables Whyte and Doran let loose with fire extinguishers to keep the flames back from their colleague.
The officers were able to free Ms Arabsalmany and carry her from the scene.
She was holding Const. Ward's hand when she died, police said.
Niloufar Khanverdizadeh, 21, a third passenger, could not be reached by the officers due to the intensity of the fire, police said. She died in the vehicle.
Const. Ward suffered first and second-degree burns to his hands and arms. All of the officers were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation. Const. Ward was given medical care for his burns.
In a statement, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci said the bestowing of the medals is a reminder that there are people who risk their lives daily to keep others safe.
"To these heroes, their work is more than a career, it's calling," Mr. Bartolucci said. "They have earned our respect and admiration."