Good Samaritan honored for saving Miami-Dade police officer's life

Chris Cummings helped pull officer from vehicle after crash

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A good Samaritan received special recognition Tuesday after saving the life of an officer who was involved in a bad crash while trying to pull over a vehicle.

Chris Cummings said he knows a little something about second chances.

"Twenty years ago, I used to be homeless. Twenty years ago, I used to eat out of the garbage can," he said.

Cummings said he was addicted to drugs when he was homeless, and if it hadn't been for a spiritual change, he would not have been where he was during the March 21 crash.

"That day was my 52nd birthday," Cummings said. "I was supposed to be at home, but I said, 'No, I'm going to work today.'"

Cummings, a Miami-Dade County Solid Waste employee, was on his route when he saw a Miami-Dade police cruiser crash in front of him.

He said he immediately ran over to help.

"It was not me. It was God using me to help him come out of that car," Cummings said.

"You certainly know where you're going and we appreciate it," Miami-Dade police director Juan Perez said. "And certainly, God gave you purpose and you found it. Thank you, my friend. May God bless you."

County employees stood up Tuesday to honor Cummings, not so much for helping a fellow county employee, but for helping his fellow man.

"He is my hero," Cummings' wife, Irene, said. "I thank God for him each and every day."

The police director said his officer is still home, recovering from his injuries in that crash, but hopes he returns to work soon.

Cummings said he looks forward to meeting the officer once he fully recovers.


About the Author:

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.