Early Friday morning, Steve Newcomb, a Teamsters Local 700 steward with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Emergency Traffic Patrol pulled two women from a burning vehicle on I-94 near Addison St. in Chicago. The rescue was captured on video by a passing WGN photographer, who reported on the events later Friday morning. Newcomb, a 22 year IDOT employee, said this is the first time he has had to pull someone from a burning vehicle.

"My job is to help keep people safe on our roadways, and that's why I knew I had to do something to help those motorists this morning," said Local 700 member Steve Newcomb. "I am so relieved I was there to take action to get those women to safety. Keeping people safe is what we do at Local 700, and I am just glad I was able to do my part.”

"Steve Newcomb is a hero, full stop," said Local 700 President Ramon Williams. "Every day, the dedicated public servants of Local 700 work to keep our communities safe. This morning, Steve went above and beyond, and for that we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you to Steve and all of the first responder union members who help keep us safe on the roadways!"

Local 700 encourages all motorists to stay safe on Chicagoland roadways and to always slowdown and use caution around IDOT workers.