Marty Brice (Team PR Photo)

Marty Brice typically assists setting up the pit stall for ppc Racing's No. 10 Ford Power Stroke Diesel by International race team at select NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) races. However, early Thursday morning, Brice, a sergeant with the City of Coatesville (Pa.) Police Department, saved a man's life during the ravaging flood waters that hit the Northeast this week.

Yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Brice, who was near the end of his shift, was assisting a neighboring department at an area known for flooding, when he noticed a car floating on the opposite side of the flooded area. Brice went to where the vehicle had stopped after not seeing anyone exit the car but after shining a spot into the car, he quickly saw a man frantically waving his arms to get someone's attention for help.

Brice saw the unidentifiable man, removed his gun belt, jumped out of his patrol car and swam some 40 to 50 feet to the disabled vehicle. The man inside had about 10 inches of air space, which quickly decreased as each minute passed.

Brice, having no other equipment on him, tried breaking the passenger window with his badge. Brice finally retrieved a rock from the bottom of the flooded street and began beating it against the glass window several times until it broke.

"He had his face up against the ceiling," said Brice to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "The guy was coming through the window as soon as I broke it. It was just like in the movies. I thought: This guy is not going to drown right in front of me. I had to do something because the water was rising fast."

Brice, 43 and a 17-year veteran of the Coatesville Police Department, will not be at this weekend's NCTS race at Kansas Speedway, due to his police duties.

"I wish the team the best," said Brice. "I'll be sitting home and watching the race on TV, cheering them on."

More on Brice's rescue can be read at The Philadelphia Inquirer's Web site at http://www.philly.com.