Lynbrook firefighter, cop rescue man in crash

A motorist was pulled from his car by a Lynbrook firefighter and police officer shortly before the vehicle burst into flames, officials said.

The driver, Jamalle Robinson, 24, of Roosevelt, who had just been in a collision with another car, was transported to South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside in serious but stable condition, officials said. Four other people involved in the two-car accident were also transported to area hospitals, but none of their injuries were considered life threatening, police said.

Lynbrook firefighter Brian Brown, who lives near the accident site, the intersection of Peninsula Boulevard and South Niemann Avenue in Lynbrook, heard the collision about 4:45 p.m. and ran to the scene, police said.

Robinson was unconscious, fire department officials said, but Brown, along with Lynbrook Police Officer Douglas King were able to open the damaged car door widely enough to pull the driver out in time, officials said.

Lynbrook Police Lt. James Fleming said, "Officer King will be put in for a commendation," and said he expects the fire department will take similar action for Brown. "These things, when they happen, they're appreciated and rewarded," Fleming said.