Update: Lewiston police officer pulled from burning patrol vehicle released from ECMC

Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·1 min read

Mar. 27—An unresponsive Lewiston police officer was pulled from his burning patrol vehicle by responding officers following a Wednesday morning crash on Military Road.

The officer, Joshua Bell, has since been released from Erie County Medical Center.

The incident occurred about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday at Military Road near the northbound I-190 exit. A tractor-trailer had just exited the thruway onto Military Road and was heading north when it was struck from behind by the northbound patrol vehicle, which immediately ignited.

The tractor-trailer driver, Paul Fisher of Vargo Trucking, used a fire extinguisher to hold back flames until responding Lewiston Officer Cody Bruyere was able to pull Bell from the burning patrol vehicle with the assistance of New York State Trooper Adam Moen.

Bell was taken to Erie County Medical Center with a broken ankle and head injuries.

Lewiston police officials noted that the actions of Fisher, the truck driver, and the responding officers were "heroic and were vital in preventing further injury or death."

The fire was extinguished by Upper Mountain firefighters.

Fisher was not injured.

Lewiston Police and the Niagara County Accident Investigation Unit are examining the crash.