Raleigh Man Awarded Medal for Heroic Rescue
Larry Pickett Sr. received the Carnegie Medal for saving a driver from a burning SUV near live power lines.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Accidents
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism to 46-year-old Larry Pickett Sr. for his actions in saving a driver from a burning vehicle in New York. Pickett Sr. and his son, Larry Pickett Jr., pulled the victim from the SUV moments before it was fully engulfed in flames.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the extreme physical danger involved in the rescue, where the rescuers navigated high-voltage lines to save the trapped motorist. The act earned national recognition from the commission and local honors in the rescuers home city of Raleigh.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission officially recognized the life-saving actions on September 21, 2026. The rescue effort involved navigating downed lines carrying 12,000 and 200 volts of electricity.
The players
Larry Pickett Sr.
He is a 46-year-old resident of Raleigh who was honored for his role in the rescue.
Larry Pickett Jr.
He is a 20-year-old cadet at the U.S. Military Academy who assisted his father during the rescue.
David N. Denton
He is the 65-year-old driver who was removed from the vehicle and treated for abrasions.
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
This organization honors individuals who risk their lives to save or attempt to save others.
The details
Larry Pickett Sr. opened the vehicle door, unbuckled the trapped driver, and moved him to safety despite tripping near a live wire. The SUV, which had struck a utility pole, caught fire immediately after the two men cleared the crash site.
Timeline
August 31, 2025: The vehicle crash and rescue took place in Fort Montgomery.
December 10, 2025: The City of Raleigh designated a day in honor of Larry Pickett.
March 2026: Larry Pickett Jr. was awarded the U.S. Army Soldier's Medal.
September 21, 2026: The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced the award for Pickett Sr.
Legal Context
The award follows the long-standing criteria established by the Carnegie Medal for Heroism for acts of civilian bravery. Such honors are reserved for individuals who voluntarily risk their own lives to an extraordinary degree while saving others.
The incident serves as a reminder of the immediate dangers posed by downed utility infrastructure during roadway accidents. Residents are encouraged to prioritize personal safety and maintain distance from power lines until professional emergency responders confirm the scene is de-energized.
The takeaway
Recognizing civilian bravery highlights the impact individuals can have when acting quickly during high-stakes emergencies. Safety experts emphasize that while heroism is commendable, assessing scene hazards remains the most critical step for any bystander.
Further reading
For more information on similar events, visit Accidents.
