Northridge Recognizes Local Hero Who Courageously Saved Two Lives in Fiery Accident
Young Man Honored for Bravery in Northridge Rescue
In a poignant ceremony on Saturday, Councilmember John Lee and the LAPD Devonshire Division recognized Fermin Hernandez for his courageous actions in saving two individuals from a burning vehicle following a crash in Northridge earlier this year.
“A special presentation for someone who’s shown what it means to be an angel in the City of Angels,” Lee stated. “You have a community that’s so grateful for what you did and stepping up in times of need.”
On the early morning of February 9, while driving along Nordhoff Street, Hernandez witnessed a devastating crash involving a Tesla.
“I saw two people inside the Tesla were not coming out,” Hernandez recounted. “There’s something going on. Smoke. I have to do something.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Hernandez rushed to the vehicle, only to find the doors locked. After several failed attempts to break a window, which resulted in an injured hand, he finally managed to open a door with assistance from another witness and pulled the first victim to safety.
“I didn’t think of pain or fear. I just acted,” he explained. “I opened the door, saw the gentleman, dragged him out, saw a girl still inside the car.”
As he attempted to rescue the second individual, the situation escalated. Hernandez noticed flames creeping toward the woman’s legs.
“I needed to get her out,” he said, recalling the chaos. “And the whole time, the car was exploding—having small explosions.”
Despite facing overwhelming odds, Hernandez pressed on, grappling with the frightening possibility of losing his own life.
“I was feeling hopeless. I’m either going to burn with her or, no other option, need to get her out. Don’t care what it takes,” he reflected.
After three dangerous attempts, he successfully freed her just moments before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
The recognition event highlighted the themes of compassion, selflessness, and bravery. For Hernandez, however, the accolades were secondary.
“No matter if they’re a stranger, they’re human, and human life matters,” he asserted. “I don’t feel like a hero—just a human looking out for other human beings. I just want to spread positivity.”
