Citizens Recognized for Bravery by Lake Forest Park City Council

Citizens Recognized for Bravery by Lake Forest Park City Council on January 23, 2014 at 7:00pm.

Two local men and a Lake Forest Park police officer who rescued a woman from her burning car earlier this month will be recognized by the City of Lake Forest Park and the Northshore Fire Department on January 23, 2014, at 7:00pm.

On the afternoon of January 6, 2014, a car was waiting to turn north at the red light on SR 522 (Bothell Way) onto NE 170th when a commercial truck swerved from another lane hitting the car in the rear. The car was slammed into the intersection with the driver trapped, and burst into flames. 

Mark Vanderveen and James Mehl, who witnessed the incident, immediately sprang into action trying to free the trapped driver. Within seconds, Lake Forest Park Police Officer Dayan Gust arrived to assist. Together the three men removed the driver from the vehicle. Northshore Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, and the driver was transported to the hospital where she was later released.

Vanderveen, Mehl and Officer Gust will be recognized by the Lake Forest Park City Council, Lake Forest Park Police Department, and Northshore Fire Department for their courage and quick actions that likely saved the driver’s life. The recognition will take place at the beginning of the City Council meeting, which starts at 7:00pm at Lake Forest Park City Hall.