An NYPD recruit who credits a stranger in plain clothes with saving his life during a fiery 2021 crash was reunited this week with the off‑duty officer who pulled him from the wreck — just one day before his police academy graduation — on Gun and Shield Day.

Recruit Christian Leon, originally from Corona, Queens, and now living in Floral Park, believed he was simply speaking with reporters about his upcoming graduation. And then Detective James Fares tapped him on the shoulder.

“I’m Detective Fares. I was there the night of your accident,” Fares said.

“No way," Leon said as he froze in disbelief before embracing, "Thank you so much. I appreciate you."

According to police, on Nov. 18, 2021, around 6:22 p.m., Leon was driving on the Grand Central Parkway when another vehicle slammed into his car. The impact sent his vehicle veering to the right, filling with smoke and leaking fluid as it began to catch fire.

“I suddenly see a car rushing down the lane… he crashes into me,” Leon recalled. “I see smoke come out and I’m just there, lost at the moment.”

Leon said he was overwhelmed and disoriented when a man in plain clothes appeared at his door.

“An officer actually assisted me out of the car, which was about to burn and blow up,” Leon said. “He left without the recognition. I appreciate the officer who saved my life.”

That officer was Fares, who at the time had just finished his shift at the 112th Precinct and was driving home to Mineola.

“When I saw the smoke, I was like, I gotta help this guy,” Fares said. He pulled over, got Leon out, and called for EMS and the fire department. “We just pulled him out and got him to safety.”

Leon said the rescue inspired him to join the NYPD.

“He’s the reason why I’m here,” Leon said. “He helped me when I needed hope the most, and now I can provide that to others.”

In a symbolic moment arranged by the department and academy, Fares pinned Leon’s NYPD shield on him.

“We’re never off duty. We’re always on duty,” Fares said. “To help him and to help others, it’s a great thing. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Leon graduates from the NYPD Academy on Wednesday, June 24.

“We have to protect and preserve life here,” Leon said. “It’s an honor to be here and also to see you here as well.”