Officials present Lifesaving Award certificates and medals to Dakota Tyler and his father Terry. (photo/Cindy Tyler)
It was two days before Christmas and Dakota Tyler had just finished putting his little boy to bed in their home in Mt. Airy. Then, something unexpected disrupted the quiet night. “I heard a noise outside that sounded like a crash,” Dakota says. On his way out the door he told his dad Terry that he thought it was wreck.
His dad followed him.
“I called 911 on my way up to the road,” says Dakota. He was still on the phone with a 911 operator when the burning vehicle on Chase Road came into view. “Another lady pulled up and ran toward the car and said someone was in it,” he says, recalling the details of that night.
The impact of the wreck flung the driver to the passenger side of the car. The Tylers acted quickly. “We ran up to the car, opened the passenger door and dragged him out of it,” says Dakota.
Around that time a police officer arrived followed by firefighters and an ambulance.
Recognition and hugs
Public safety officials took time out Tuesday night to honor the Tylers for their heroic actions. Cornelia Fire Chief Billy Jenkins, Jr., Cornelia Police Lt. Wayne Green and Sgt. Matt Arnold presented the father and son with certificates and medals during the May 7 Cornelia Commission meeting.
Dakota says he appreciates the honor but stresses that’s not why he did it.
“I would want someone to do the same thing for me if I was ever in that situation,” he tells Now Habersham.
The Tylers have met the siblings and grandchildren of the man they saved. And, although they haven’t met him yet, they hope to one day. “His daughter, all she wanted to do was hug me and daddy,” Dakota says. “It’s a really heartwarming experience.”
