It was 4:15 a.m. Cory Sullenberger was making his daily 62-mile commute from northwest Ohio to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) where he helps keep the flying public safe from explosives.
On that morning, Sullenberger jumped into action to save a life on a major southeast Michigan highway.
Sullenberger, a TSA supervisory transportation explosives specialist, was driving north on I-75 when the driver of a southbound semi suddenly lost control, causing his rig to jump over some construction barriers, fly over the center median, land and slide into oncoming northbound traffic, slamming into three SUVs.
Amazingly, he barely escaped the horrific crash that unfortunately claimed the life of the truck driver and injured several others.
“I immediately thought, ‘I may not make it out of this,’” recalled Sullenberger. “The semi hit the wall and flew into the air, then hit the road in front of us and was sliding on its side toward us. I immediately locked the brakes and stopped just short of the accident.”
Not taking time to think about his life being spared, he quickly leaped out of his car and rushed to the semi but couldn’t help the truck driver, so he immediately moved to help the driver of one of the SUVs pinned under the tractor-trailer.
“My military training just kicked in,” Sullenberger said. “I didn’t think much about it, just reacted to the situation. I saw fuel pouring out of the semi, and my first thought was, ‘We have to get everyone out of the vehicles before they catch on fire.’”
Another driver also jumped out of his car to rescue a driver in one of the other SUVs involved. Sullenberger and the other rescuer were both able to pull crash victims out of the wreckage just in time. Moments later, one of the SUVs engulfed in flames.
Everyone in the three SUVs survived the collision, and today, Sullenberger is being hailed as a hero.
“Cory’s heroism aligns with his commitment to service and his character,” said TSA Michigan Federal Security Director Reggie Stephens. “We are grateful he was in position to assist the other commuters. We cannot thank him enough for his bravery and willingness to help those in need.”
Stephens called Sullenberger “an extremely humble and kind leader who cares deeply about our nation and the public we all serve.”
“I just reacted to the situation that was presented to me that morning,” Sullenberger replied. “I just think as a good citizen and neighbor, it is our job to help and protect those around us, whether that is at work, home or anywhere else in public.”
He believes his five years in the U.S. Army helped prepare him to respond to emergencies like this.
Sullenberger has kept in contact with the man he pulled from the wreckage, who he said is doing well and hoped to soon meet up with Sullenberger and his friends.
“When the man texted me a few days later thanking me for my help, it made my day that I could have an impact on his life,” said Sullenberger.
Sullenberger has a message for all of us who might find ourselves in a similar emergency situation.
“Help anyone when you can. One day it may be your family or friends who need help, and you will be glad someone helped.”
By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs