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LAPD Officer Being Recommended For Medal Of Valor For Heroism

SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — A veteran Los Angeles Police Department officer Tuesday is being recommended for the agency's highest honor after he pulled an elderly man from a burning car on Christmas.

Officer Donald Thompson was off-duty and driving on the 405 Freeway in Sherman Oaks when he witnesses the fiery car accident involving a 72-year-old man.

Two motorists pulled over to provide aid to the trapped motorist, along with the help of Thompson.

Thompson reportedly jumped over the K-rail freeway divider from the southbound lanes to get to the car and pull the 200-pound unconscious man to safety.

He "went above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts to remove the unconscious accident victim and save his life," Chief Charlie Beck wrote in a memo urging the Los Angeles Police Commission to give the officer the "medal of valor."

The motorist suffered moderate injuries, while Thompson suffered minor burns.

The police commission is scheduled to discuss the recommendation at Tuesday's board meeting.

RELATED: Trapped Motorist Rescued From Flaming Vehicle By Passing LAPD Bomb Squad Officer, 2 Civilians

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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