A Scranton police officer used past training and quick thinking to save a DPW worker after a horrific accident.

SCRANTON, Pa. — There are still traces of snow on the ground in Scranton’s South side.

But at the beginning of February, snow and ice covered roadways, creating slick conditions for DPW crews working along Kirst Court.

“The notes in the call stated that the pedestrian was pinned between a fence and a garbage truck,” said Ptlmn. Joseph Flesher, Scranton Police Department.

Scranton Police Patrolman Joseph Flesher was the first to arrive after a DPW worker, known as Manny, was badly cut after being slammed into this rod iron fence. “When I got on scene, I saw Manny Johnson laying down on the ground with his co-workers around him. They informed me that he had a very serious cut on his leg, emphasizing how bad it was,” he said.

Without hesitation and relying on his military and police training, Flesher got one of several tourniquets he keeps while working and secured it around Manny’s leg.

Soon, the bleeding stopped, and the worker was taken to the hospital.

“Manny called me, explained who he was, and that he got my number from another DPW worker. He explained to me that a doctor told him that the tourniquet being placed on his leg saved his life,” said Flesher.

Flesher’s actions also caught the attention of the Scranton City Council.

During their meeting on February 10, he was commended for a job well done.

“As Councilman McAndrew said, went over to see the DPW worker that was injured yesterday morning in the hospital. I was told that the officer who put the tourniquet on his leg and essentially saved his life was Officer Joe Flesher. So I want to take a moment to acknowledge him and thank him for all he did for our DPW worker to save his life,” said Patrick Flynn, (D) Scranton City Council.

Not one for the limelight, Flesher appreciates the acknowledgments but he knows that any of his fellow officers would’ve done the same thing. “I can honestly say I work with some of the greatest men and women in the state. We handle what needs to be handled, and we just keep going,” he said.

The director of the Department of Public Works tells Newswatch 16 that Manny is recovering and doing well.