A 17-year-old from Peoria has been recognized with a prestigious award for his courageous actions following a serious traffic accident. However, the humble teen admits he’d prefer to put the whole incident behind him.
“I didn’t feel like I deserved anything,” explained Tommy Salch, a senior at Sunrise Mountain High School. “It was just something that happened while I was on my way to get donuts.”
Despite his reluctance to accept praise, Tommy’s actions in September 2024 undoubtedly made a significant difference. Just two weeks after obtaining his driver’s license, Tommy was driving near the intersection of 107th Avenue and Rose Garden when he witnessed a devastating collision. His mission: a simple donut run for his family.
“It all happened so quickly. A car ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle at just the right angle, causing it to roll two or three times, coming to a stop right in front of my car,” Tommy recounted.
The accident left an elderly man trapped upside down inside his mangled vehicle. Without hesitation, Tommy sprang into action, utilizing skills honed through years of scouting. He quickly assessed the situation and began directing bystanders, drawing upon emergency preparedness training from camps and first-aid courses. His instincts took over.
“I directed one person to follow me and another to call 911,” he stated.
The car was severely damaged and resting on its roof. The driver’s door was jammed shut, making it difficult to access the trapped driver. Smoke and airbag residue filled the interior of the vehicle, further complicating the rescue.
“It was a struggle. The door was pinned against the road, but we finally managed to pry it open, shattering the window in the process,” Tommy described. “I reached in to support him against his seat while the other man helping me unbuckled his seat belt. Then, we carefully shifted him so his feet were on the ground, and we were able to help him out of the car.”
Miraculously, the victim sustained only cuts and bruises.
Police officers commended Tommy for his quick thinking and decisive actions in moving the injured man to a safe location on the side of the road before paramedics arrived at the scene.
“He could have been struck by another vehicle while still trapped upside down, or he could have suffered internal injuries from being suspended in that position for too long,” noted Peoria Officer Anthony Peccia. “We definitely need more people like Tommy, who are willing to step up and help.”
Last month, Tommy was awarded the National Heroism Medal from Scouting America, a prestigious honor that requires extensive recommendations and a rigorous vetting process. To put this achievement into perspective, over 2.5 million scouts have earned the Eagle Scout award, but only slightly more than 6,000 have received the Scouting America Heroism Award since its inception in 1922. This medal is one of only three national heroism awards presented by the organization.
“The entire process, from the day of the accident until the day he received the award, took a full year. For many months of that year, he resisted the recognition,” said DJ Salch, Tommy’s father, who also teaches English at Sunrise Mountain. “Tommy is incredibly humble, so his reaction throughout all of this didn’t surprise me.”
Tommy’s mother, Katie, emphasized the importance of recognizing his actions for reasons beyond personal achievement.
“It’s not just about him; it’s also about the troop that trained him and worked with him,” Katie explained. “He did the right thing in the moment, but this award represents more than just his individual actions; it reflects the values instilled by his scouting community.”
Looking ahead, Tommy plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Northern Arizona University (NAU) next year.
“The car accident made me realize that criminal justice isn’t just about arresting people and dealing with the negative aspects of society. It also offers the opportunity to help people and make a positive difference in their lives,” Tommy reflected.
Here’s a breakdown of Tommy’s heroic actions:
Immediate Response: Tommy stopped to help immediately after witnessing the accident, demonstrating a willingness to get involved.
Assessment and Delegation: He quickly assessed the situation and delegated tasks to bystanders, ensuring that someone called 911 and that he had assistance with the rescue.
- This showcases leadership and the ability to think clearly under pressure.
Safe Extraction: Despite the challenges posed by the damaged vehicle, Tommy and another bystander worked together to safely remove the injured driver.
- They took precautions to avoid further injury, such as supporting the driver’s body and carefully shifting him to a stable position.
Continued Assistance: Tommy helped move the victim to a safe location away from the wreckage, preventing potential harm from oncoming traffic.
Humility: Despite his heroic actions, Tommy remained humble and downplayed his role, emphasizing that he was simply doing what anyone else would have done.
Tommy’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the importance of preparedness, quick thinking, and a willingness to help others in times of crisis. His actions exemplify the values of Scouting America and highlight the positive impact that young people can have on their communities.
