Fitterer is “lifesaver” in Lonsdale car fire: Life Scout pulls co-worker from car to save his life

It started as a fairly typical afternoon at Rail 19 Bar and Grill in Lonsdale on Monday, Aug. 12. Grant Fitterer, 17, and Jackson Pollock, 25, were busy attending to the grill, both cooks at the restaurant, about an hour into their shift.

Fitterer said that Pollack stated he hadn’t been feeling well and went outside. A little while later, Fitterer said he smelled something. “It was a gross burning smell, and our dishwasher said she smelled it too,” said Fitterer. “After I was done cooking an order, I checked around and found nothing. So, I went outside to see if there was something, maybe a fire nearby or something, and I saw his (Pollack’s) car with smoke coming out from underneath and him laid out over the center console.”

There were no flames on the vehicle at that time, but the vehicle was running and revved high, according to Fitterer. “I rushed to open the doors to let the smoke out and shut the car off right away, thankfully it was unlocked,” he said. “Jackson wasn’t breathing and I saw that smoke was coming from the center of the car.”

Fitterer ran inside to tell his manager on duty, Matt Bussert. “Grant came inside and said, ‘Matt, I need you outside now!’ and he ran back outside.” Bussert said he ran outside to see Pollock in his car with his foot on the gas. “I went to see if he was responsive, and he wasn’t so I went in to call 911.”

Meanwhile, Fitterer said he was looking for the...

To see more on this story pick up the August 29, 2024 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger. 

See additional photos of the car and fire in the print issue, available on newstands now. To not miss any news in the future, subscribe online today!