Scott Willis. (Photo by Bruce Bishop, The Chronicle-Telegram.)

For his part in saving the life of a 66-year-old woman trapped in a burning car, Elyria Police officer Scott Willis was awarded a certificate of commendation from the Gates Mills Police Department.

The accident happened on Tuesday, Nov. 10, shortly before 7:30 p.m. Willis said he was heading home after working a shift in Elyria when he came upon the burning vehicle.

At first glance, Willis said he almost kept driving.

But he didn’t when he learned a woman was trapped inside. He jumped from his car and helped officers rescue the woman.

Willis said he stayed with her until firefighters arrived.

His assistance was invaluable, said Gates Mills Police Lt. Ron Whitmer.

“He is a definite credit to the uniform and law enforcement,” he said.

Read Thursday’s Chronicle for more on this story.