WEBSTER COUNTY — Dale Iles, District 1 Foreman for the Webster County Secondary Roads Department, doesn’t think the word “heroic” describes his adrenaline-filled actions Monday when he came upon a semi accident and pulled the driver from a burning cab.

“I did what I hope any passerby would do,” said Iles, of Dayton. “I don’t think I’m a hero.”

Iles was heading back to the county offices Monday after gathering employee timecards when he came upon an accident that had just happened at the Holiday Creek bridge, located a half mile north on Samson Avenue from 190th Street

“I saw a plume of dust or smoke but just thought it was farmers out in the field,” said Iles. “But I came across the semi and it had just happened and was bad.”

When Iles got out of his county truck, he found that a semi had lost control and collided with a guard rail. The semi cab was on its side and close to falling into the creek below.

“I knew that I had to get the driver out,” said Iles. “The cab had started on fire.”

Iles said he climbed onto the semi cab which was in multiple pieces and on its side and yelled down at the driver who was standing but in shock and injured.

“I just kept yelling ‘you’ve got to climb up and get out. The cab is on fire,'” said Iles.

Iles was able to grab onto the man and pull him to safety. Minutes later the cab was fully engulfed and the trailer toppled into the creek below. An oncoming semi driver was able to call 911 and dispatch emergency personnel to the scene.

“I don’t know what I would have done if he were unconscious,” said Iles. “I’m glad that he was able to get out of there before it got even worse.”

While Iles doesn’t see himself as a hero, county leaders say they aren’t surprised that he jumped into action.

“Dale climbing onto the cab and getting the driver out of an overturned, burning semi is not surprising to me,” said Webster County Engineer Jamie Johll. “That’s just the kind of guy he is – selfless, dedicated, and loyal. We are lucky to have him as a leader in the Road Department.”

According to Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener, the semi is owned by KEIM Transportation Inc. and driven by Clayton J. Schmadeke of Callender. Schmadeke was transported to Trinity Regional Medical Center for treatment. The accident remains under investigation.