Fox Cities News

The Neenah Police Department has awarded Tanner Ater the department's Life Saving Award for his actions in rescuing two individuals from a burning vehicle following a crash on January 20, 2025. The announcement was made via a Facebook post on March 6.

Ater was honored at the Neenah City Council meeting on March 6, where he received the award. According to the Facebook post, he was surrounded by family and received a standing ovation from council members in recognition of his bravery.

According to NBC26 News, Tanner Ater, a tow truck driver from Neenah, rescued a couple from a fiery car crash on Gillingham Road. As he was about to leave for work, Ater heard the crash and saw a woman trapped on top of an overturned vehicle, screaming for help. He grabbed a fire extinguisher, drove his tow truck to the site, and extinguished the flames. Ater then found the woman’s husband trapped inside and, with assistance from a police officer, quickly freed him.

Screenshot of Facebook post | facebook.com/NeenahPolice/posts

NBC26 News reports that Ater’s swift actions earned praise from Neenah police who credited him with saving the couple’s lives. While the woman was treated and released from the hospital, her husband remains hospitalized. "What if that was your family?" Ater said. "What if you drove by and didn’t recognize it was your mom, dad, sister, or brother in the car on fire? And you just drove right past?"

The Neenah Police Department emphasizes its commitment to serving the community of Neenah, Wisconsin with a focus on public safety, law enforcement, and community engagement as said on their website.