Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in August 2017.

A California firefighter was praised after being spotted comforting a young girl while her mother and sister were treated for injuries they got in a car crash.

A big rig crossed into oncoming traffic on a highway near San Diego, according to KNSD. Inside one of the cars the truck hit was a mother, along with her two young daughters and another adult family member.

While the mother and one of the girls were being treated for their injuries, Heartland Fire & Rescue Department firefighter paramedic Ryan Lopez took on the task of comforting the 4-year-old daughter, who was uninjured.

A news camera captured the touching moment as Lopez held the girl in his arms, rocking her back ad forth, side to side.

After a few moments, Lopez carried the child over to the fire engine, where he sat her down and gave her a drink of water. Then, she was in his arms once again, resting her head on his shoulder.

The other vehicle struck by the truck was a black Kia Sorrento carrying the two girls, ages 4 and 6, as well as their mother and another adult..

The 6-year-old girl suffered a broken neck in the accident and was having trouble breathing. She was taken to a nearby children’s hospital.

The 4-year-old girl who was helped by Lopez had only minor injuries

The girls’ mother suffered minor injuries as well and was able to ride in the ambulance with her 6-year-old daughter.

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