A police officer who pulled an unconscious driver from a burning vehicle moments before it exploded is being commended for his exceptional bravery and decisive actions during a serious collision on the A281.

On 27 June 2025, while on duty in an unmarked police car, Surrey PC Jay Wakefield witnessed a head on crash between a car and a skip lorry. The impact sent the car rebounding across the carriageway and onto the verge, where it caught fire almost immediately.

Seeing that the driver had not escaped, PC Wakefield ran to the vehicle. The driver’s door was jammed from the collision, and the man was slumped unresponsive at the wheel. With flames spreading rapidly and thick smoke filling the air, PC Wakefield moved to the passenger side, forced the door open and climbed inside the smoke filled cabin.

Working in intense heat, he assessed the driver, released his seatbelt and hauled him across the centre console. As flames began to breach the interior, PC Wakefield dragged the unconscious man out of the car and away from the fire. Overcome by smoke but knowing they were still too close to the burning vehicle, he lifted the driver again and moved him further to safety, where two members of the public helped carry the casualty clear.

Once out of danger, PC Wakefield placed the man in the recovery position and began an initial assessment. A nurse at the scene identified herself, and he handed over care before turning his attention to securing the area. With parts of the car exploding and bystanders distressed, he took control of the scene, located the lorry driver who was wandering in shock, and ensured he received medical support from Army medics who had stopped to help.

PC Wakefield then coordinated road closures and directed responding units as emergency services arrived, including the air ambulance.

Both drivers were taken to hospital. Despite the severity of the crash and the fire, the car driver’s injuries were later confirmed as non life threatening.

It is highly likely that without PC Wakefield’s swift, selfless and courageous actions, the driver would not have survived. His conduct under extreme pressure exemplifies the highest standards of policing and the commitment officers show when lives are on the line.

Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Had it not been for the courage of PC Wakefield, a life would have been lost. His bravery, skill and composure exemplified the best in policing. Surrey Police could not be more proud of him.”

Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble said: “It goes without saying police officers run towards danger and he has been in the right place at the right time where his response and control enabled him to save a life and prevent a tragedy.

“Jay has also been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation and a Royal Humane Society award and the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire bronze medal for his exceptional courage and his quick reaction to a serious road traffic collision.

“I know Jay from having worked with him on RPU and I am so proud of his actions and feel it is only fitting he is our Surrey bravery nominee for this year. I look forward to seeing him at the awards. Well done Jay and thank you.”