Tulsa County deputy saves 3 from burning vehicle

By John Dobberstein, Editor

A deputy for the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office is being credited for saving the lives of a pregnant woman and two infants.

Deputy Ivan Patino was traveling north on Highway 75 near the 41st Street/Union Avenue exit when he noticed a truck stopped on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of the highway.

He turned his patrol vehicle around to check on the occupant and saw smoke coming from the hood of the truck. He was able to talk to the female driver in Spanish, who thought the vehicle was simply overheating.

As the engine caught fire, Patino and the mother pulled the 11-month-old twins from truck. He placed the mother and babies in his vehicle where they’d be safe, then used his fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire.

The engine exploded and he was overcome by smoke. Patino was taken to the hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

“Deputy Patino risked his safety to save this young family. We are exceedingly proud of him,” the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office said Friday

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