What began as a routine Saturday morning ended in a life-saving act of bravery for Thomas Myrick, traveling near Highway 287 in Haslet, Texas.
After leaving a safety and importance of service delivery meeting at IFC’s Haslet office on October 18, Thomas encountered a serious multi-vehicle accident on the Highway 287 overpass. Traffic had come to a standstill, and black smoke was visible rising from the bridge. Beneath the overpass, a vehicle lay overturned, while above it, a Ford truck was on fire with thick smoke surrounding it and a driver trapped inside.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Thomas immediately pulled over to render aid, relying on the training and equipment he is required to have for Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated company vehicles. Being that IFC truly focuses on safety, their vehicles are equipped with fire extinguishers, a requirement that proved critical in this emergency. Thomas didn’t just show up for work this particular day – he showed up for his community. He chose to be courageous and protect others.
Several bystanders had already attempted to help, including one individual who had exhausted their own fire extinguisher while trying to contain the flames. Panic escalated as the fire reignited, and witnesses feared the unconscious driver would not survive. Using the company-issued fire extinguisher, Thomas bravely advanced toward the burning truck and sprayed beneath the dashboard where the fire was most intense. Though the flames reignited multiple times, repeated bursts helped suppress the fire long enough to prevent it from spreading and to buy precious time for first responders.
During the rescue effort, two nurses who had been traveling nearby stopped to assist, and several other good Samaritans worked together to help the trapped driver. One bystander was seen breaking the truck’s windshield with his bare hands, sustaining cuts but continuing the efforts without hesitation. There is certainly a superhero level of strength when people come together.
Moments later, the sound of approaching sirens brought relief. Firefighters arrived quickly, prioritizing the burning vehicle and extinguishing the remaining flames before extracting the driver. Just before emergency crews reached the truck, witnesses observed the driver move his head – an encouraging sign amid the chaos.
Later that evening, local news reports confirmed there were no fatalities from the crash, bringing reassurance to those who had helped at the scene. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety preparedness, DOT compliance, and the heroic impact any person can have when they act without hesitation. It also highlights the strong sense of responsibility and service instilled in all IFC employees, including Thomas. Values that extend well beyond their daily roles. Values like going above and beyond even when nobody’s watching and not just being remarkable at work, but wherever you may be. Working with total strangers to save another total stranger just puts into practice how the team at IFC lives: put others first, rely on one another, and move forward as one – because you can’t be your best self by yourself.
Most of all, it stands as a testament to being essential together: strangers coming together as one in a critical moment, determined to save a life. We’re proud to call Thomas a member of our team. He exemplifies what it means to be extraordinary, surprising, and outstanding.
