This is why being a police officer is such a tough job and why we call them HEROES

I knew a long time ago I didn’t have what it takes to be a police officer and that realization is very much confirmed when I see videos like this, where police officers walk into untold danger and put their lives on the line dealing with crap like this:

WARNING: This video may be hard to watch:

Here’s the story:

KXAN – Austin Police Department and Fire Arson investigators are looking into the cause of an explosion that sent three people, including two police officers, to area hospitals early Tuesday morning.

Fire officials say officers were trying to talk to a driver around 2 a.m. at the Stassney Food Mart on 5717 South Interstate 35. When officers tried to get closer to him, he jumped back in his car and said, “I think I’m going to set the car on fire,” according to APD dash camera video. A few seconds later, a loud pop is heard and fire engulfed the vehicle.

One of the officers said he saw the driver with a lighter in his hand, and investigators believe the car had fuel in it.South Austin car explosion

The officers were able to pull the driver — who was alone — out of the burning car before fire crews arrived, and he was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge in serious condition and may likely have to be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Police say they believe the driver of the car was trying to commit suicide.

“That car got hot quick,” said Austin Fire Department Cpt. Andy Reardon. “We’re talking thousands of degrees inside there; you saw the force it created right there. For him to get back in the car like that, to do that, he was very dedicated on killing himself.”

APD plans to use the video to train future cadets.


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