While responding to a traffic accident involving a Scranton Department of Public Works garbage truck on Feb. 9 in South Scranton, city Police Department Patrol Officer Joseph Flesher found DPW employee Emanuel “Manny” Johnson pinned between the vehicle and a wrought-iron fence.
Worse, the force and weight of the vehicle impaled one of Johnson’s legs on a piece of the fencing at 415 E. Elm St. in South Scranton, resulting in a potentially life-threatening injury.
Arriving on scene before EMS personnel, Flesher assessed the severity of the situation and recognized the urgent need for decisive medical intervention. Flesher immediately applied a tourniquet above the puncture wound to control the bleeding and stabilize Johnson until advanced medical personnel arrived.
Johnson was transported to a hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery.
“Officer Flesher’s quick thinking and immediate action in effectively applying the tourniquet were instrumental in saving Mr. Johnson’s life,” according a Scranton City Council proclamation issued Tuesday recounting details of the incident and honoring Flesher. “This event exemplifies the highest standards of the law enforcement profession and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community.”
The proclamation continued: “Scranton City Council wishes to honor Officer Joseph Flesher for demonstrating outstanding professionalism, high-quality training and calm composure by acting quickly during this event.”
Flesher previously had saved other lives in his duties as a Scranton police officer, Council President Tom Schuster said.
“I’d also like to point out that this is not the first time Officer Flesher has performed life-saving actions in the line of duty for our city,” Schuster said. “I want to personally thank him and state that he is a major asset to the City of Scranton Police Department, as well as thanking Mr. Johnson, who is also an outstanding member of the city’s Department of Public Works.”
Schuster and council members Patrick Flynn, Mark McAndrew, Sean McAndrew and Jessica Rothchild presented the proclamation to Flesher, who attended the council meeting with his family members. Johnson also attended the brief proclamation ceremony at the start of council’s meeting Tuesday. Flesher and Johnson shook hands, embraced and exchanged a few words and laughs between themselves, and posed with council for photos.
Scranton City Council on April 14, 2026 issued a proclamation honoring city Patrol Officer Joseph Flesher, at left, for saving the life of city Department of Public Works employee Emanuel Johnson, at right, during a traffic accident involving a DPW vehicle on Feb. 9, 2026 on East Elm Street in South Scranton. (IMAGE SCREEN COPY / ELECTRIC CITY TELEVISION VIA YOUTUBE)