index

Army Football Player Larry Pickett, Jr. Rescues Man From Burning Vehicle Near West Point

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Staff Writer

Army football player Larry Pickett, Jr. rescued a man from a burning car near West Point after a crash into a utility pole.

Army football player Larry Pickett, Jr. rescued a man from a burning vehicle near West Point early Sunday morning, the program told CBS Sports.

According to the Fort Montgomery (N.Y.) Fire Department, the car had crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames. Firefighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Pickett’s father said his son, a defensive back for the Black Knights, ran toward the scene despite several downed power lines surrounding the crash site, pulling the man to safety before the fire spread out of control.

“Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day!” Pickett’s father said in a social media post that included video of the incident. “I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life! Not only is he making an impact in the classroom and on the football field at the United States Military Academy at West Point, but he’s also making a difference in his community!”

Pickett, Jr. is in his second season with the Army football team and made his first appearance on the field in Friday’s overtime loss to Tarleton State.

“This is more than a display of leadership; it’s a testament to the character West Point is building in him—a readiness to go into the line of fire, not just for his country, but for anyone who needs it,” Pickett’s father said. “To see that courage and selflessness in action firsthand was truly incredible.”

“Thank you to our daughter Lauren for capturing this moment on video! Also, a huge thank you to the Highland Falls Police Department, Highland Falls Fire Department, and all the first responders who arrived on the scene so quickly. Whenever we visit the Academy, it’s a blessing to be surrounded by true heroes—both on and off the field,” he added.

You may also like

Blog

A Palatka Goodwill store was evacuated after employees discovered a live grenade among donated items, prompting a bomb squad response and a public safety warning from police.
The U.S. Army has taken delivery of its first M1E3 Abrams tank prototype, launching an accelerated testing and acquisition effort aimed at rapidly modernizing armored forces.
A Pentagon AI chatbot has drawn attention after labeling a hypothetical follow-up airstrike on survivors at sea as illegal, as the Defense Department rolls out its new GenAI platform to military personnel.
Syria has arrested five suspects after a deadly ambush near Palmyra killed three Americans, as the US vows strong retaliation while investigations continue into possible ISIL links.
A Georgia woman is recovering from severe burns after being attacked with a corrosive chemical during an evening walk in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, as police and the FBI search for those with information.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers