ROCKLAND, Maine — Rockland police honored a city resident Tuesday for his actions when he saw a passing sports utility vehicle was on fire.
Charles Wilton was the recipient of the department’s Challenge Coin.
Wilton was recognized for his actions on Feb. 18 when he was walking along Main Street and spotted a vehicle emitting flames as it passed him. Wilton recognized the danger and immediately ran after the vehicle to get the driver’s attention, got the driver to pull over, and enabled the two women inside to get out safely just before it was engulfed in flames, Chief Bruce Boucher said.
“His action was critical,” Boucher said in the commendation.
“Today, more than ever before, our community’s first line of defense needs our citizens’ willingness to become involved. A safe community is not a spectator sport. Everyone needs
to get involved. The city of Rockland is grateful that you were willing to get involved,” the chief said.
Officers Joel Neal and Scott Solorzano recommended Wilton for the award.