LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville firefighter who pulled off a harrowing rescue of a semi truck driver last week appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" Monday morning.
Just after noon Friday, a semi was involved in a crash on the Clark Memorial Bridge between Louisville and southern Indiana. The front half of the truck ended up dangling off the edge of the bridge with the cab suspended nearly 100 feet above the Ohio River.
Bryce Carden, a six-year member of Louisville Fire, repelled down from the bridge, cut the driver out of her seatbelt and placed her into a harness before they were both lifted to safety.
"During it I was very focused," Carden told ABC News. "I wasn't letting emotions get to me. We have to stay calm. When they call us, they're having the worst day of their lives. We have to be those guys that are calm and confident. When I reached her, I just assured her and said 'This is what I need you to do.' She was able to assist me and we were able to get through it."
The female driver of the truck has not been named, but Louisville Fire said she is a military veteran. Carden said that experience likely helped her remain "cool, calm and collected" throughout the rescue.
She was taken to the hospital Friday, but later released.
Bryce's wife Caitlynn didn't immediately know her husband was the one tasked with rescuing the driver.
"I found out right after she got pulled out of the cab and they were on their way up," she said. "I was watching live on Facebook knowing then it was him. A lot of emotions were going on. I was shaking."
About 30 members of Louisville Fire responded to the scene, plus members of EMS and Louisville Metro police. The crash remains under investigation by LMPD.
Carden said the rescue came down to trust and spoke highly of the crew above him on the bridge and below him in the water. He's been called a hero by many, including Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, but Carden doesn't see it that way.
"Of course everyone's saying that, but I just played a very small piece in a large puzzle," Carden said. "I attribute all the success to the guys topside and on the bottom. I'm going back to work tomorrow like a normal firefighter."
Fire Chief Brian O'Neill said his department trains for these situations on a regular basis.
"This was one of those rare opportunities where the tremendous training and preparedness these firefighters do meets the opportunity to put those skills to work and help somebody," he said. "I couldn't be prouder of the best fire department in the world. The men and women of the Louisville Fire Department do an amazing job, as you all got to see."
You can watch the full GMA segment here.
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