BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Ruben Perry has no recollections of what happened to him that Saturday night. All he knows is what he was told when he woke up in a local hospital.
What Perry does know is that he is grateful to the seven Tampa Police officers and members of the community who saved his life. Perry was involved in a traffic accident and apparently lost consciousness on impact.
Residents in the area of N. 22nd Street and E. Cayuga who saw the accident immediately went to the vehicle and attempted to extract the unconscious driver. They quickly learned that he was trapped inside the car.
As Tampa Police officers responded to the scene, they attempted to remove Perry. but, an engine fire was thwarting their efforts. Four of the officers removed the small fire extinguishers from their cars as three others attempted to free Perry.
One after the other, they emptied the fire extinguishers, but could not extinguish the blaze. Then, neighbors began bringing their own fire extinguishers for the officers to use.
Finally, after about five minutes, the officers were able to free Perry. And, within seconds of freeing him, the 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Perry describes as his “toy” burst into flames. He has owned the car for 8 years.
Perry was admitted to Tampa General Hospital, with non-life threatening injuries. He was released the next day, in time to spend Father’s Day with his family.
On Tuesday, he had the opportunity to meet the officers he credits with saving his life, Chief Jane Castor and several of the Majors.
“I’m thankful for the efforts of the officers and the community. All of the officers were young and just starting their careers. It just goes to show you never judge a book by its cover. These guys really put their lives on the line to save me. They jumped in and did what they had to do and saved me.
“I also want to thank the members of the community who helped. I was told that when they emptied the last fire extinguisher, they got me out, and the car burst into flames. Everything was right on time,” the road construction worker said.
After being released from the hospital, Perry retrieved the car from the location where it was towed. He said the passenger’s side of the car was pushed over to the driver’s side. They car was crushed around him. Perry said he feels his life was spared for a purpose.
A Tampa native, Perry attends New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and lists among his hobbies, “working on cars.”
