TRUSSVILLE, Ala. — Three officers with the Trussville Police Department were recognized Tuesday for saving the life of a 22-year-old after a dangerous crash earlier this year.
Cpl. Montana and Officers Chamberlin and Phillips received the Trussville Police Department’s Life Saving Award at Trussville City Council’s meeting on Aug. 11.
Trussville Police Chief Dave Morrette said the accident occurred around 2 a.m. March 15, when the officers responded to a crash involving a 22-year-old man who had been ejected from a moving vehicle.
According to Morrette, Chamberlin immediately assessed the man’s injuries and initiated lifesaving measures after arriving at the scene. Chamberlin and Phillips worked together, alternating chest compressions until paramedics arrived.
Cpl. Montana applied a tourniquet to a severe laceration to stop bleeding.
Photo / Trussville Police Department
During his speech to city council, Morrette read pieces of a letter that was sent two days after the accident from officials with the Trussville Fire Department.
“Your ability to act swiftly, confidently, and effectively in a high-stress environment greatly contributed to the patient’s stabilization and survival,” the department wrote. “Interventions in the early moments of traumatic injury are crucial, and your performance certainly played a significant role in saving a life.”
Morrette said the department’s Life Saving Award is specifically given to members who assist in saving a human life through first aid, medical response, or rescue.
“These officers acted without hesitation,” Morrette said. “They worked together to have the best outcome possible for this individual.”
The man survived and later visited the Trussville Police Department with his mother to thank those involved, Morrette said.
“We’re proud of them for sure and grateful that they’re part of our department,” Morrette said.
