02/09/2026
On February 2 at approximately 14:42, emergency responders were dispatched to a major motor vehicle collision near the 400 block of West Longview Street in Arp. Responding agencies included Smith County Emergency Services District #2 with units from Arp, Chapel Hill, and Battalion Chief 2, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Arp Police Department, and Overton Police Department. While responding units were enroute, dispatch advised that the involved vehicle was on fire. Upon arrival, fire units encountered a vehicle that was heavily involved with fire. Prior to the arrival of fire and EMS resources, immediate and heroic action was taken by individuals already on scene who placed themselves in extreme danger to extricate the occupant from the burning vehicle under rapidly deteriorating and life-threatening conditions.
At the request of the Arp Volunteer Fire Department, the following individuals are formally identified for recognition due to their extraordinary courage and decisive actions that directly saved the occupant’s life:
Officer Quentin Hertel, Arp Police Department
Quintus Lee, Citizen
Sonny Flora, Citizen
Officer Hertel, Mr. Lee and Mr. Flora demonstrated exceptional bravery, rapid situational awareness, and an unwavering commitment to the preservation of life. Their willingness to act without hesitation, despite the imminent danger posed by a developing vehicle fire, exemplifies the highest standards of public service and civic responsibility.
The Arp Volunteer Fire Department affirms that without the immediate lifesaving actions taken by Officer Hertel, Mr. Lee and Mr. Flora, the outcome of this incident would likely have been tragic. It is therefore respectfully requested that these individuals receive formal recognition for their lifesaving actions.
