Employees Honored for Heroic Rescue After Crash at Hardware Store

Two Hassett Ace Hardware workers saved a driver from a burning car that crashed into the store.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Two employees of Hassett Ace Hardware in Redwood City, California were honored by the city council for their heroic actions in pulling a driver from a burning car that had crashed into the store in December 2025. The crash caused significant damage to the store, but no injuries were reported thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of Ricky Pera and Jose Manuel Urrea.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the importance of employee training and preparedness in responding to emergencies, as well as the strong community ties that can develop between local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve. The recognition of Pera and Urrea's actions also underscores the value that cities place on heroic acts that protect public safety.

The details

According to Hassett Ace Hardware owner Eric Hassett, the vehicle narrowly missed an employee, the employee's young daughter, and a customer before colliding with butane tanks and causing a fire. When the vehicle ignited, Pera and Urrea jumped into action, pulling the driver out of the burning car, helping to extinguish the flames, and directing customers and employees to safety outside the building.

  • The crash occurred on December 15, 2025.
  • Pera and Urrea were honored at the Redwood City Council meeting on February 12, 2026.

The players

Ricky Pera

A 16-year-old employee of Hassett Ace Hardware who helped rescue the driver from the burning car.

Jose Manuel Urrea

An employee of Hassett Ace Hardware who helped rescue the driver from the burning car.

Eric Hassett

The owner of Hassett Ace Hardware, whose store sustained significant damage from the crash and fire.

Elmer Martínez Saballos

The mayor of Redwood City, who presented the certificates of recognition to Pera and Urrea.

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What they’re saying

“Because of their actions, no one suffered any major injuries and no lives were lost.”

— Elmer Martínez Saballos, Mayor of Redwood City (Patch.com)

“It was a shocking night for us all, a tragic one, and fortunately, there was no loss of life.”

— Eric Hassett, Owner, Hassett Ace Hardware (Patch.com)

“What it's really shown us is that what we do every day in supporting our community has been reflected right back, and the outpouring of support from the Redwood City community has been amazing.”

— Eric Hassett, Owner, Hassett Ace Hardware (Patch.com)

What’s next

Hassett Ace Hardware expects the store to reopen by Memorial Day 2026 after completing repairs from the crash and fire damage.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of employee training and preparedness in responding to emergencies, as well as the strong community ties that can develop between local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve. The recognition of the heroic actions of Pera and Urrea underscores the value that cities place on protecting public safety.