safety
Veteran to receive medal of heroism for pulling elderly man from burning car
By Tom Regan at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
A Lilburn teacher and army veteran who served in Iraq has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism after he courageously rescued a 90-year-old driver from a car engulfed in flames.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]“Basically, he was crying out for help, and I think I sh...
Key takeaway [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]“Basically, he was crying out for help, and I think I shocked him when I got there,” said Matthew Forrester.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The Carnegie Medal for Heroism awarded to Matthew Forrester is a testament to the bravery and selflessness that exists in Atlanta 's communities. Forrester's actions, which saved the life of a 90-year-old driver trapped in a burning car, demonstrate the kind of heroism that can be found in ordinary citizens. The fact that Forrester, a veteran who served in Iraq, remained calm and reacted quickly in the face of danger, highlights the importance of community members looking out for one another. This incident also underscores the need for continued support and recognition of local heroes, like Forrester, who put themselves in harm's way to save others. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the bravery and kindness of its citizens, like Forrester, who make a difference in the lives of those around them.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Lilburn teacher and army veteran who served in Iraq has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism after he courageously rescued a 90-year-old driver from a car engulfed in flames.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]“Basically, he was crying out for help, and I think I sh...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tom Regan at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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