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Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Kidde Hero of the Week…
This week, we honor Jesse Iwuji, a NASCAR Driver on the K&N Pro Series and a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant.
Jesse drives the #36 Chevy for Patriot Motorsports Group, and he had just finished racing at Sonoma Raceway. While on the interstate headed home, he noticed a minivan on the side of the road.
He could see a small glow under the car and knew this was a problem. There were people standing by the car and also inside the vehicle. Jesse immediately pulled over. He ran to the car, yelling for the family to run towards him. As the family cleared the vehicle, the engine caught fire, and, according to Jesse, it was seconds before the fire spread to the back of the car hitting the fuel tank which caused an explosion.
The family was all safe, and no one was injured. Jesse said that he wasn’t trying to be hero; he was just acting on instinct and credits his military training for his quick thinking.
For more on this story, click here.
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Kix’s Response:
Well, Jesse, I’m sure that family is happy you came along when you did! And, I’m sure you just gained a lot more NASCAR fans… Man, a guy who can do it all – a lieutenant in the Navy and a NASCAR driver!
By the way, Jesse finished 15th at that race in Sonoma. His next big race is August 3 in Watkins Glen, New York. Good luck, Jesse! We’ll be watching!
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!