The Bulletin Notes
The Bulletin Notes
Law enforcement officers are challenged daily in the performance of their duties; they face each challenge freely and unselfishly while answering the call to duty. In certain instances, their actions warrant special attention from their respective departments. The Bulletin also wants to recognize those situations that transcend the normal rigors of the law enforcement profession.
One early morning, Deputy Sheriffs Jeremy Battle, Chad Phillips, and Josh Cochran of the Gordon County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office responded to an automobile crash. Upon arrival, the officers witnessed a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on the side of the road. One occupant remained inside the vehicle, and a passerby struggled to open the driver’s door. Immediately, Deputy Battle doused the flames with a fire extinguisher, and Deputies Phillips and Cochran attempted to force the vehicle open to remove the driver. After he exhausted his own fire extinguisher, Deputy Battle ran to a parked tractor trailer in search of another. As Deputy Battle continued to fight the fire and Deputies Phillips and Cochran struggled to reach the trapped driver, the vehicle burst into flames at least three more times. Despite the grave danger that this inflicted on the officers, they persisted until they could control the flames, force open the passenger door, and extricate the driver. The victim received emergency medical attention and flew by helicopter to a nearby hospital. |
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