Captain Nelson presented commendations to Lt. Sanderson, Officer Bills, Officer Mabry and Officer Melvin for their roles in locating and rescuing an 88-year-old resident during severe weather, the department said.
The department said the search took place while the area was under a tornado warning. Officers searched a wooded area through heavy rain and darkness, followed cries for help and found the resident who had fallen and was unable to get up.
Working with emergency medical services, the officers removed the person from the dense woods and ensured they were transported to a warm, dry and safe location, the department said.
Officer Melvin also received an additional commendation for a separate incident, the department said. While handling an unrelated call, he was alerted to a nearby structure fire, ran toward the burning residence and, with limited visibility, located an elderly female resident and escorted her to safety.
The department praised the officers for their persistence, courage and willingness to place others before themselves, saying their actions reflect the highest standards of the profession.
