Off-Duty CHP Officer Saves Injured Firefighter's Life

ROSEVILLE, CA — An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer is being hailed as a hero for rescuing a Cal Fire firefighter who suffered life-threatening injuries after a motorcycle crash near Roseville while he was also off duty.

Officials with Santa Rosa CHP said officer Tyler Lenaburg was driving northbound on Fiddyment Road at Sunset Boulevard on Feb. 6 when he and his fiancé witnessed a crash involving Trent Pajer.

Pajer was ejected after the Harley-Davidson he was riding collided with a Jeep that turned left in front of him, according to Santa Rosa CHP.

Lenaburg, who became a CHP officer about four months ago, immediately stopped to render aid and noticed Pajer had sustained a life-threatening injury to his left leg. He immediately grabbed a personal emergency medical kit from his vehicle and applied a tourniquet while his fiancé called 911.

Lenaburg and his fiancé stayed with Pajer as emergency crews responded. The pair used personal clothing items to help Pajer stay warm as he drifted in and out of consciousness, according to Santa Rosa CHP.

After the collision, it was discovered that Pajer was an off-duty Cal Fire firefighter from Colfax Station 30.

Lenaburg and his fiancé were later able to visit Pajer in the hospital, along with his family and fire personnel who also responded to the scene.

According to Santa Rosa CHP, Pajer's chain of command expressed immense gratitude for Lenaburg taking quick action.

"We couldn’t be more proud of his courage, professionalism, and heroic efforts," Santa Rosa CHP said.