Five Officers Aid Another

Above, Sergeant Todd Hanson.
(Not pictured, Officers Keith Fulgium, Seth Martin, Brian Goen and Alexander James.)

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on September 15, an Irving, Texas police officer called 9-1-1 when a vehicle struck his home. The officer’s son was pinned under the vehicle, the roof of his two-story home was caving in and the gas connection was severed. Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched and the utility company was contacted about the gas leak.

Five officers from North Richland Hills arrived and immediately went to the corner bedroom to examine the child’s situation. The father was in fear that his son had sustained serious injuries and did not want the boy moved until EMTs were on scene. The officers quickly convinced their colleague that the house was unsafe and waiting would not be the best option. They successfully extricated the victim from under the vehicle’s bumper and carried him out to the arriving ambulance.

With the gas continuing to leak, the decision was made to evacuate the neighborhood. It was amazing that the gas fumes had not ignited from the heat of the vehicle engine. Even more amazing, the victim had only suffered minor injuries!

For an exceptional display of courage, acting without hesitation in an extremely dangerous situation, Officers Keith Fulgium, Seth Martin, Brian Goen, Alexander James and Sergeant Todd Hanson were also awarded the Police Commendation Bar by their department.