Firefighting brothers John and Joel Rechlitz arrived on the scene within minutes of the accident which flipped the SUV on its side. A group of good Samaritans were already at work, struggling to free the family from the blazing vehicle — but it took guts and a combined 29 years of firefighting experience to save the life of the 4-year-old boy trapped inside by his car seat.

They took turns trying to wrest the child free from his seat restraint, both burning their hands badly in the process. Another quick-thinking neighbor had a garden hose at the ready to douse the boy in cold water to stop the burning.

He is in critical condition in an area hospital.

"It just shows the true spirit of this city," Milwaukee Police Lt. Mark Wroblewsk said. "Everybody's willing to help."

(Continue reading and see the brothers at NBC's Today)

Photo courtesy of John Stone, eyeclectic.net