safety
Southlake officer says ‘right place, right time' after rescuing driver from fire
By Katy Blakey at NBC DFW
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
A traffic stop along Highway 114 quickly turned into a life-saving rescue when a Southlake police officer pulled a driver from a burning vehicle before flames consumed the car. Southlake Police Department Cpl. Joshua Swisher had just stopped a Mercedes for speeding when he noticed another vehicle pa
Key takeaway "It had to have been right time, right place kind of thing," Swisher said.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The heroic actions of Southlake Police Department Cpl. Joshua Swisher are a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of local law enforcement. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of police work in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where officers must be prepared to respond to any situation at a moment's notice. The fact that Swisher was able to rescue the driver in less than 30 seconds is a credit to his training and instincts. The recognition of Swisher's courageous actions by the Southlake Police Department is well-deserved, and his humility in downplaying the incident is a reflection of the selfless dedication of local police officers. The incident also underscores the importance of traffic safety in the region, where high-speed roads like Highway 114 can be particularly hazardous. As the community recognizes Swisher's heroism, it is also a reminder of the critical role that police officers play in keeping the public safe.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A traffic stop along Highway 114 quickly turned into a life-saving rescue when a Southlake police officer pulled a driver from a burning vehicle before flames consumed the car. Southlake Police Department Cpl. Joshua Swisher had just stopped a Mercedes for speeding when he noticed another vehicle pa
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katy Blakey at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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