This is one of those stories of heroism that’s compelling at any time of the year, but especially so in the wake of three recent traffic fatalities in Kane County and surrounding communities.

According to a post on the Aurora Police Department Facebook page, 34-year-old Warrenville man has a 58-year-old man to thank for saving his life after the younger man got into a fiery, single-car crash around 12:12 a.m., March 31, in the 1600 block of East New York Street.

Watch the video embedded above as the first patrol car on-scene captures Jose Martinez, who lives across the street from the crash location, pull the man out of the burning car. A second citizen, Devin Johnson, 29, of Aurora, then pulls the crash victim further back from the burning vehicle.

The 34-year-old was charged with DUI and a litany of traffic offenses. He suffered burns and other injuries and was transported to a suburban Chicago hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

“To say Jose’s actions were heroic and brave are an understatement,” Aurora Police Department spokesperson Dan Ferrell said. “Had he not taken immediate action, the driver would not have lived.

“Devin should also be commended for assuring the man was out of harm’s way. Outstanding job, gentlemen.”

The story made World News Tonight and ABC News Chicago telecasts.

SOURCE: Aurora Police Department