Muskogee County Sheriff's Deputy Being Recognized As Hero

NewsOn6.com

MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma -- The chief deputy of the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office is being recognized as a hero.

Thursday morning, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced Joe Hughart is being recognized as one of 20 honorees with the Carnegie Hero Medal.

The commission says Hughart rescued a Haskell man trapped in the wreckage of his burning pickup truck on March 19, 2010.

Ray Williams, Jr., 33, was driving on a state highway when his truck struck a culvert and ran into a ditch.

Williams was trapped and a fire had broken out in the engine.  Hughart was driving nearby, saw the flames, stopped, and despite Williams' 350 pounds, was able to pull him to safety through the driver side window.

During the process, Hughart was injured as well. Both men survived their injuries.

Read more about Joe Hughart's heroic effort.

The Carnegie Hero Medal recognizes persons who perform acts of heroism.  Deputy Joe Hughart will be getting a $5,000 grant.