Central Florida’s Road Rangers are no strangers to split-second decision making. When the Road Ranger Service Patrol receives a call to their *FHP (*347) assistance line, they are quick to spring into action to help drivers in need.

John Cruz, a 14-year Road Ranger veteran, exemplified the type of quick-thinking heroics for which Road Rangers are known while working with the Orlando Police Department (OPD) on November 15, 2023.

As the sun set on a busy stretch of Kirkman Road (State Road (S.R.) 435) in Orlando, an urgent call was dispatched to Cruz regarding a gray Honda Accord trapped in a ditch on the east side of the street.

“Anytime you get to a scene, you don’t know what that person’s going through,” Cruz said, recalling the crash.

Cruz was able to assess the scene with the aid of OPD Community Service Officer (CSO) Adrian Guillermo to see if the driver had exited the vehicle. Through the dark tinting of the vehicle’s windows, Cruz saw that the driver was experiencing a seizure. CSO Guillermo then called in the Orlando Fire Department for assistance.

The incapacitated driver’s foot was on the accelerator pedal and making the engine rev. With precision and determination, Cruz sprang into action.

“When I see (a foot on) the gas pedal, I’m concerned. You never know if (the car is) in park or in reverse or drive,” Cruz said, aware that any slight movement on the gas pedal could create a danger to the driver and rescue crew. “My goal is always that no one should get hurt.”

Cruz handed his flashlight to CSO Guillermo, who shattered the driver’s window. Cruz then reached through the broken glass to place the vehicle in park and remove the key from the ignition, ensuring the safety of both the driver and first responders on the scene.

Cruz’s quick thinking and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the life, ensuring that a harrowing situation ended in triumph rather than tragedy for both the driver and the first responders. His bravery did not go unnoticed by OPD in the follow-up to the incident.

“Road Ranger John Cruz reacted instantly, without hesitation, to render aid,” said OPD CSO III Sydney Vicente. “He played a major role ensuring everyone’s safety on scene. Please pass along our gratitude for his essential assistance on this call.”