On Jan. 11, 18-year-old Casey Marie Bellofatto's car crossed the double yellow line on Route 97 near Sykesville and hit another vehicle head-on before turning over and starting on fire.

Cpl. Craig Ream, an 11-year veteran of the Howard County police department happened upon the scene on his way to work and crawled under the hood of the burning car to rescue Bellofatto.

After pulling the woman from the burning car, Ream and Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Cpl. Gunnar Burdt carried her up a hill and away from the vehicle.

Earlier this week the two officers were recognized by local officials for their courage and valor in saving the young woman's life.

Carroll County Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning was joined by Howard County Chief of Police William McMahon, Delegate Susan Krebs and the Board of Carroll County Commissioners in recognizing the two officers.

Carroll County government provided the attached video of the event.

See Also:

• Sykesville Teen in Critical Condition After Being Rescued From Burning Car
• Report: Teen Pulled from Burning Vehicle Released from Shock Trauma