Deputy called hero by Sheriff's office

RENO -- An off-duty Washoe County Sheriff's deputy was credited Saturday with saving the life of a 30-year-old disabled woman after he pulled her from a burning vehicle.

Deputy Tracey Bloom was traveling along Interstate 80 en route to Reno at about 5:30 p.m. As he approached the Patrick exit, he saw a car along the side of the eastbound lane in flames, according to the sheriff's office. The driver was attempting to help his daughter from the car when Bloom arrived.

The deputy turned his car around and went to help the victims. As he tried to free her from the vehicle, a passing truck struck the woman's car. Bloom pushed the woman's father out of the way but the deputy's left leg was pinned between the guardrail and the car's passenger side door.

According to reports, Bloom then shoved the car enough to free his leg. He broke the passenger door window and pulled the woman to safety moments before the car was engulfed in flames.

A short time later, units from the Nevada Highway Patrol, paramedics and Reno and Sparks fire personnel arrived on the scene. The woman and her father were taken to Northern Nevada Medical Center where they were treated for minor smoke inhalation. Bloom drove himself to St. Mary's Hospital where he was treated for minor bruising to his left leg.

"The staff of the sheriff's office is extremely proud of the actions of one of our own tonight," said Washoe County Sheriff Dennis Balaam. "Deputy Bloom is to be commended for his quick thinking and courage to act in what can only be considered a life-threatening situation."

The names of the father and daughter were not released. The accident is under investigation by the Highway Patrol.