• Family of woman saved from burning vehicle joins ceremony to thank firefighter who risked his life to save hers

The Detroit Fire Department today honored Firefighter Donald Faulkner for his extraordinary bravery after he dove headfirst into a burning vehicle to rescue a woman trapped inside following a serious crash earlier this year.

During a ceremony held at Engine 40 on Detroit’s West Side in advance of International Firefighters’ Day on May 4, department leaders, medical professionals, family members, and community members gathered to recognize Firefighter Faulkner’s selfless actions and the life-saving impact of his courage. Body-worn camera footage from the Detroit Police Department documenting the rescue was also shown during the event.

In January, Firefighter Faulkner responded to a vehicle fire caused by a crash and, without hesitation, entered the burning car to remove the trapped driver, Ms. Latashia Collins. Despite suffering severe burns and 18 fractures, Ms. Collins miraculously survived. Her family attended today’s event to personally thank the firefighter who helped save her life.

Detroit Firefighter Donald Faulkner with Ms. Collins' family, Dr. David Springstead of DMC, Detroit Fire Chief David Nelson, Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms and DFD Medical Director, Dr. Robert Dunne. 

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms expressed his appreciation to Firefighter Faulker for his brave actions that January night. Simms and Faulkner had the opportunity to visit Ms. Collins, who is still hospitalized, earlier this week. “This is the kind of courage that cannot be taught—it comes from character, commitment, and an unwavering desire to help others,” he said. “Firefighter Donald Faulkner placed Ms. Collins’ life above his own safety in a moment of extreme danger. Seeing Ms. Collins this week was a great reminder that behind every emergency call is a human life, a family, and the importance of the work our first responders do each day.”

Detroit Police body-warn camera footage shows Firefighter Faulkner diving through a rear window of the car, which was on fire, to save Ms. Collins. 

Chief David Nelson, who leads the department’s emergency operations and oversees the firefighters who respond to thousands of calls each year, said Firefighter Faulkner’s actions reflected the courage and professionalism that define Detroit’s fire service. “When our firefighters respond, they are trained to act decisively under pressure—but what Firefighter Faulkner did was above and beyond the ordinary call of duty,” said Nelson. “His bravery, quick thinking, and determination gave Ms. Collins a chance to survive, and we are proud to recognize him today.”

Mayor Mary Sheffield remarked on Firefighter Faulkner’s bravery and care for the residents he serves, “Firefighter Donald Faulkner's actions are a shining example of what it means to be a Detroiter — stepping up when it matters most and taking care of each other,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “What he did that night took courage, quick thinking, and heart, and it’s a powerful reminder of the grit our Detroit firefighters bring to this job every single day. We are proud to recognize Firefighter Faulkner and the entire Detroit Fire Department for the work they do to keep our city safe.”

Firefighter Donald Faulkner has been with the Detroit Fire Department for 9 years. He grew up on Detroit's East Side and is a graduate of Edwin C. Denby High School. His mother attended the ceremony and was all smiles. 

While Firefighter Faulker is proud of his brave actions, he is mostly humble. “I was just doing the job I was trained to do,” he said. “Any one of my colleagues here at DFD would have done the same thing. We are Detroit grit. I’m so grateful Ms. Collins survived, meeting her earlier this week in the hospital was wonderful, and it means a lot to me to have her family here today. I can’t wait to cook dinner for her when she is able to visit us at the firehouse.”

“Our firefighters and EMS professionals perform extraordinary work every day under the most challenging circumstances,” said Dr. Robert Dunne, Medical Director for the Detroit Fire Department. “This rescue is another example of the remarkable skill, courage, and teamwork our crews bring to every scene. We are fortunate to work hand in hand with the exceptional physicians, nurses, and trauma teams at Detroit Medical Center, whose expertise is critical in helping patients survive and recover.”

Dr. David Springstead and Chief David Nelson look on as Firefighter Donald Faulkner and Ms. Collins' mother, Angie Trice, exchange a hug following her remarks to those gathered. 

Following the accident and fire, DFD immediately took Ms. Collins to DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center, Michigan’s largest adult burn care facility.

The DMC Trauma and Burn Center teams, led by DMC Trauma Center surgeon Dr. Jessica McGee and DMC Burn Center surgeons Dr. David Springstead and Dr. Alfred Baylor, worked intensely with multiple surgeons from Orthopedic Surgery, Urology and other DMC teams to save Ms. Collins. Bleeding injuries to her abdomen required immediate surgery, and she suffered severe burns to her hands, leg, eyes and face, as well as a dozen rib fractures and broken bones in her arms and legs from the crash.

“Firefighter Faulkner’s heroic actions gave the DMC Trauma and Burn Center teams a chance to continue extraordinary care and help Ms. Collins survive the initial crash and fire,” Dr. Springstead said. “It’s been a long road, but she’s determined and well on her way to recovery. We’re grateful to be part of her journey and to have such a strong partnership with the Detroit Fire Department, to provide the highest level of care for the community.”

Ms. Collins’ daughter and mother were in attendance to mark the occasion of Firefighter Faulker being honored. “There are no words to fully express what Firefighter Faulkner means to our family,” said Tanisha Morgan. “Because of his courage and the fast work of his team, we still have our mother with us. We are forever grateful to him and to everyone who helped save her life.”

International Firefighters’ Day is observed annually on May 4 to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of firefighters around the world. Along with a stop at Engine 40, DMC’s Burn Center Team today visited several Detroit firehouses to say thank you to our firefighters to mark this observance. This ceremony recognizing Firefighter Faulkner served as a powerful reminder of the lifesaving work Detroit firefighters perform every day.