Burnaby honours retired firefighter Patrick Curley for rescuing driver from burning vehicle

The City of Burnaby has presented retired firefighter Patrick Curley with a Public Safety Award for helping rescue a driver from a burning vehicle. On Oct. 5, 2025, an elderly woman lost control of her vehicle while travelling on Dundas Street. It struck a parked vehicle and then a large tree. The airbags deployed and the car caught fire, trapping the driver inside. Before emergency crews arrived, Curley entered through the passenger side despite the danger, freed the driver from her seatbelt and pulled her to safety.

Mayor Mike Hurley said Curley’s quick thinking, courage and willingness to risk his safety for a stranger made him a hero, and that his actions showed the best of the community. Burnaby city council congratulated Curley on the recognition and thanked him for his act of heroism and commitment to helping others.

Burnaby’s Public Safety Award recognizes people who show exceptional courage, selflessness and commitment to others’ safety and well-being. It is for Burnaby residents who have shown exceptional courage in saving or protecting human life or property. More information is available at Burnaby.ca/PublicSafetyAward (https://www.burnaby.ca/our-city/awards-and-community-recognition/public-safety-award).