On a West Side street turned into a fire scene, Detroit firefighter Donald Faulkner dove headfirst into a burning SUV to pull a trapped driver to safety, a split-second rescue now preserved on body-worn camera. The woman, identified by family as 52-year-old Latashia Collins, survived but was left with severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Faulkner has since been recognized by the Detroit Fire Department and has visited Collins in the hospital.
Rescue Caught On Body Camera
Newly released body-worn camera footage shows Faulkner smashing out a rear window, then climbing into the back of the SUV after it collided with a truck on Davison Street near Petoskey Avenue. In the video, he reaches forward to unlock a door and pull Collins out as flames and smoke pour through the cabin, then hands her off to waiting medics. The video and local coverage were published by WXYZ.
Severe Injuries And Hospital Care
Officials say Collins suffered multiple fractures, extensive third-degree burns, and internal bleeding, injuries that have required several surgeries while she has been treated at Detroit Receiving’s burn center. Doctors and family members have described her progress as hard-won. Surgeons told reporters she recently took her first steps, a milestone they credited to rapid treatment at the scene and intensive surgical care. Those details were reported by CBS Detroit.
Family Reunites With Her Rescuer
This week, Collins and her family met Faulkner both in her hospital room and at a recognition event. Her daughter, Tanisha Morgan, called the reunion emotional and publicly thanked the crew for saving her mother. Relatives told reporters Collins has undergone multiple surgeries, including amputations of fingers, and is relearning how to stand as part of what they expect to be a lengthy rehabilitation. ClickOnDetroit covered the meet-and-greet and the family’s message of gratitude.
Department Honors The Crew
Last Friday, the Detroit Fire Department honored Faulkner, a nine-year veteran, for the split-second decision that helped save a life, and Commissioner Chuck Sims joined him for a bedside visit. Faulkner played down the attention, telling reporters, "I'm just doing my job," and instead credited the teamwork of paramedics and hospital staff for how the rescue turned out. Coverage of the ceremony appeared on FOX 2 Detroit.
Why The Moment Resonates
The rescue has bounced across local outlets because it underscores how quickly post-crash fires can turn deadly and how those first on the scene can shape whether a victim survives. Stations including ABC7 have replayed the body-cam footage as Collins’ family highlights her determination and the sacrifices made by first responders. The department has said its crews will keep training for fast, high-risk rescues like the one that pulled Collins from the flames.
