Good Samaritans honored for pulling woman from burning truck

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A woman pulled from a burning truck gets to thank two men who saved her as they are honored for their bravery on Thursday. That woman is alive today thanks to the courage of those Good Samaritans.

Denise Perez has severe burns on both arms -- but she's alive. In all likelihood, the only reason she did survive was quick action by two men.

"I'm very lucky to have these two people be there when I needed them," Perez said.

Ten months later, Perez is recovering.

And now the California Highway Patrol says it's time to honor the men.

"Oh they're like angels. I'm very, very grateful for them, very grateful," said Perez's mother.

On September 6, 2013, Perez's truck stalled in the fast lane on the 60 Freeway in Jurupa Valley when someone hit her from behind.

"Instantly the truck that they were in caught on fire," said UPS driver Lawrence Sanchez.

Sanchez says when he saw it happen, he pulled over right away and noticed Perez trapped inside.

"By the time I got over there, there was this gentleman (Rafael Rodriguez), and a couple other people just trying to pull her out," said Sanchez.

"I just wanted to make sure that she got out," said Rafael Rodriguez.

Rodriguez and an unknown third Good Samaritan also rushed in to help.

"When we tried to go the first time, it was too hot that we couldn't get near the truck, so I told God just to help us out, and when we went back the second time we were able to pull her out of the truck," said Rodriguez.

Both men say they can't believe how some people were just driving by.

"As I'm making my way over to the center divider, there was cars going around the debris," said Sanchez.

"Had you chosen not to stop, perhaps this young lady would not be here right now," said a CHP official.

"I'm just grateful to be here, and if it wasn't for these guys, I wouldn't be alive right now with my family," said Perez.