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“Wake up!” — The body cam video America can’t stop watching
Body camera footage released by Foxborough Police captures the moment Fayles sprinted toward the burning car, gripping a metal rod. Without hesitation, he smashed through the passenger window.
“Wake up!” he shouted. “Can you hear me sir?”
There was no answer — only smoke and growing flames. The driver was unconscious. Fayles didn’t wait. He reached through the shattered window, grabbed the man by the arms, and pulled him out with everything he had.
Seconds later, the entire car exploded into flames.
If he had hesitated even briefly, there would have been nothing left to save.
Inches away from catastrophe
After dragging the driver to safety, the family revealed just how close they all came to disaster. The car, they said, missed their home’s gas line by about 18 inches.
“The whole house could have been up in flames,” the homeowner said.
Eighteen inches. That’s how narrow the line was between one officer’s heroism and a tragedy that could have killed an entire family.
A hero saves a man who caused his own near-death
Police later determined that the driver Fayles rescued had been driving under the influence. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and now faces charges in Wrentham District Court.
It’s a powerful reminder of what law enforcement faces every day. Officers don’t get to pick and choose whose life is worth saving. They respond to danger, even when it means protecting someone who put others at risk.
They don’t stop to judge. They act.
Recognition for bravery
On September 30, the Foxborough Police Department honored Patrolman Fayles with the Life Saving Award for his extraordinary courage that night.
“Patrolman Fayles demonstrated extraordinary bravery and decisive action,” the department said. “His quick response, presence of mind, and heroic efforts directly contributed to saving the life of the accident victim.”
They added, “His actions reflect the highest standards of courage and dedication to duty, and they exemplify the selfless service that is the foundation of this department’s mission.”
The kind of courage that defines the badge
This wasn’t a Hollywood movie. It wasn’t a staged act of heroism. It was a split-second decision by a real man who chose to run toward fire instead of away from it.
Thanks to Patrolman Brendan Fayles, a man who should have died that night is still alive. A family still has their home. And Americans have one more reason to respect the officers who risk everything, every single day.
No politics. No fanfare. Just courage — caught on camera.
