Goodyear honors officer Dakota Berry for heroic rescue

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Goodyear City Council on Monday formally recognized Officer Dakota Berry for his heroic actions in saving a young woman from a burning vehicle last month, calling him a “true hero” and a reflection of the best in public service.

Mayor Joe Pizzillo led the commendation during the June 23 council meeting.

“A heroic deed is generally defined by its impact, the danger it involves, the selflessness and nature of the person performing it,” Pizzillo said. “It often involves a voluntary risk of one's own life or well-being for the benefit of others… Today the city of Goodyear recognizes Officer Dakota Berry for his heroic actions.”

Councilmember Trey Terry echoed that praise.

“We couldn't be more proud to have officers like you,” Terry said. “You're a tremendous reflection on our department and our city.”

Berry’s actions came during the early morning hours of May 25, when he came upon a fiery, multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near 91st Avenue. While returning from transporting a prisoner, he noticed flames consuming one of the vehicles and heard a horn blaring. Without hesitation, he broke the driver’s side window, pulled the occupant from the vehicle, and injured his hands in the process.

“I ended up hearing the car horn honking and ran over to the driver’s side,” Berry said. “At that time, I realized someone was still alive in the vehicle. No matter what, I was going to do whatever I could to get them out.”

The woman he rescued was 19-year-old Asharie Cheatham, an Arizona State University student who had just completed her freshman year studying physical therapy. She is the daughter of Goodyear Fire Capt. Simeon Cheatham, who later called the rescue “nothing short of a miracle.”

“What (Officer Dakota Berry) did was nothing short of a miracle,” Cheatham said during a press conference. “The fact that he happened to be traveling back to Goodyear at that exact moment gives me chills. He wasn’t supposed to be there, but he was.”

Cheatham said that while he believes Berry would have acted the same regardless of who was in the car, the fact that it was his daughter makes the family’s gratitude especially deep.

“I know in my heart that Officer Berry would’ve done the same for anyone, because that’s who he is,” he said. “But it just so happened that day, it was my daughter. And for that, our family will be forever grateful.”

Asharie suffered burns covering about one-third of her body and was taken to the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health, where she underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts. Dr. Kevin Foster, the center’s director, said her injuries are life-altering but praised her resilience.

“A burn of this magnitude is really a lifelong injury,” Foster said. “She will likely undergo additional reconstructive and laser surgeries in the future and will need extensive physical therapy to regain full use of her limbs.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Cheatham described his daughter as a fighter.

“She’s strong. She’s resilient. She’s a fighter,” he said. “She has a beautiful smile … she’s a very good and beautiful person.”

He also credited the city’s public safety teams for their seamless and compassionate response.

“One of the great things that we have here in the city of Goodyear is an amazing relationship between the police department and the fire department,” he said.

Goodyear Police Chief Brian Issitt visited Berry in the hospital after the rescue and recounted the officer’s humility.

“When I thanked him for his courage, he just said, ‘I was doing my job, sir.’ What a remarkable statement from a true hero,” Issitt said.

In the weeks since the crash, the Goodyear community has rallied around the Cheatham family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $50,000 toward a $60,000 goal to support Asharie’s medical expenses and recovery.

“You’ve already overcome so much, and we know the road ahead will be long,” Cheatham said, speaking to his daughter. “But with all this love behind you and your unstoppable spirit within you, you’ll get through this, and you’ll come out stronger, wiser and even more radiant than before.”