A 20-year-old Army football player is being hailed for his bravery after he and his father rescued a man from a burning vehicle. The incident occurred early Sunday in Fort Montgomery, New York, near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where Larry Pickett Jr. is a second-year cadet.

Pickett and his family were returning to West Point after dinner when they encountered a crash just after midnight. A vehicle had swerved off Route 9W and collided with a utility pole. Larry Pickett Sr. described the scene, noting that live wires were hanging dangerously close to the wreckage. Despite the risks, he and his son rushed to help the driver trapped inside.

“There was no discussion. My son just jumped right into action,” Pickett Sr. said. He added that his son's military training kicked in during the emergency. Together, they managed to pull the driver from the vehicle just moments before it was engulfed in flames.

Cellphone video captured by Pickett's sister, Lauren, shows the dramatic rescue. The footage reveals the father and son carrying the driver to safety as flames erupted from the car. The Fort Montgomery Fire Department later reported that the vehicle was fully engulfed when they arrived on the scene.

The driver appeared disoriented but conscious, according to the video shared by the Pickett family. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The U.S. Military Academy expressed pride in the actions of Pickett Jr. and his father, stating, "Running towards danger to save lives is the embodiment of the Army Values and Warrior Ethos." Army athletic director Tom Theodorakis also praised their actions, highlighting their commitment to stepping up in a crisis.

Larry Pickett Sr. shared the rescue video on Instagram, expressing his pride in his son's heroism. "Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!" he wrote. He emphasized that his son is making a difference not only in academics and athletics but also in the community.

"Just after Midnight, I watched in awe as my son, Larry Pickett Jr., ran toward a burning vehicle, ignoring the downed power lines crackling around it. With immense courage, he pulled a man to safety, saving him from a fiery fate," Pickett Sr. added. He described his son's actions as a testament to the character being instilled in him at West Point, showcasing a readiness to help anyone in need.