Policeman didn't hesitate when faced with burning car wreck

Constable Nicolas Corley, pictured with wife Collette, downplayed his role in the rescue. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Most people would probably hesitate, at least for a second or two, about going to save someone from a car with flames leaping from it.

But for Constable Nicolas Corley, of Auckland, there was no such hesitation.

Early on August 23, 2008, Mr Corley came across a crash site on Rockfield Rd in Oranga.

The car was ablaze, having smashed into a power pole, fences and several parked vehicles before coming to a stop. A passenger had managed to escape, but the driver was still inside, trapped.

Mr Corley ran towards the car to try to get the driver out of the vehicle.

"He was just out of it. He'd suffered bad head injuries on impact," Mr Corley said. "I was beckoning him to come out, but I realised he wasn't conscious - and then it got scary."

A ball of fire hit Mr Corley on the left side of his body and he suffered burns to his face and arms. Despite this, he reached into the car to get to the man and, with the help of the passenger, pulled him to safety.

At the investiture ceremony yesterday, Mr Corley was one of seven people to be recognised for bravery and service.

He was one of two police officers to be honoured and he received the New Zealand Bravery Medal for his actions.

Acting Police Commissioner Viv Rickard paid tribute to Mr Corley, saying: "Constable Corley was able to extricate the driver from the car as it exploded in flames.

"All of us like to think we can make a difference when it counts ... [Those recognised] have displayed great courage in situations not many of us have had to encounter."

Mr Corley was modest about the recognition, downplaying his role as "hero".

"I think it's something anybody could do. You know the car's on fire, but the prospect that someone could die if you don't do something hits you."

A few months after the incident, Mr Corley received a letter from the driver whose life he had saved.

"He apologised for putting me in that situation. He explained that he hadn't written earlier because he had been rehabilitating and he didn't know what to say. But just his thank-you was fine with me."