Former police officer Chris Willden didn't hesitate when he realized children were trapped in an upside down car in an icy Utah river. He pulled his handgun, pushed it up against the submerged windows and shot out the glass.
Full story here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45845801.../#.TwH74vn4Gp0

A pistol really does come in handy for more than just self-defense. I have to wonder that if he didn't have it, how long would it have take them to break a window to get the kids out.