LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland man who rescued a 3-year-old boy from a burning car in November has received North America’s highest award for civilian heroism.

What You Need To Know

  • AJ Slater, a Lakeland man, received the Carnegie Medal for rescuing a 3-year-old boy from a burning car on Nov. 7

  • Slater, who was severely burned in the rescue, now uses his experience to encourage others to take action in emergency situations and refrain from driving under the influence.

  • Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail

While 30-year-old AJ Slater is thought to be the first person from Polk County to be honored with a Carnegie Medal, he still carries the scars from last year.

“I think about it all the time, but I try not to think about it, but there are worse times than others when I do break down. I do get emotional,” he said.

Slater kept his composure as he recounted the tragic car accident on Nov. 7 that injured mother Logan Deines’ 3-year-old son, Walker, and killed her 5-year-old daughter, JoLynn.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the two children were in the car with their father, 30-year-old Kody Wills, when he crashed into a wooded area at the intersection of Broadway Street and Lake Parker Drive East. According to a toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, Wills’ blood alcohol content was 0.25 — three times the legal limit. He now faces several charges, including DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse, and is awaiting trial.

Wills’ car collided with a tree, causing it to catch on fire. Slater says he jumped into action after hearing cries for help just blocks away from his home. That’s when he reached into the burning car and pulled out Walker first. He tried to rescue JoLynn, but she didn’t survive.

“It’s a heartbreak for me. It will always be,” Slater said.

Since being treated at Tampa General Hospital for second and third-degree burns, Slater has developed a strong bond with Deines and Walker. He’s also been recognized for his heroism. His most recent award, the Carnegie Medal, was given to people living in the U.S. and Canada who risk their own lives to save or attempt to save the lives of others.

Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail.

“I’m very grateful, I’m very thankful for it. All these awards are reminders of JoLynn to me. I know I could save Walker, but I could never let go of the fact that I wasn’t able to save both children,” he said. “Being considered a hero, thank you. I’m thankful, I’m grateful, but to me, I’m just a normal person.”

Now, Slater encourages others to save a life too, whether it’s refraining from getting behind the wheel while under the influence or stepping in the next time seeing someone else in need.

Along with the Carnegie Medal, each recipient will receive a $7,500 prize. Slater says he plans to use the money to pay off his medical bills.