Samaritan Group Award presented to area troopers
Raleigh – North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Rocky R. Deitz joined troopers Jonathan “Ty” Gibbs and Trooper Johnathan R. Jones in receiving the Samaritan Group Award on Nov. 22, recognizing them for extraordinary acts of bravery and public service.
The awards ceremony took place at the N.C. Museum of Art Auditorium in Raleigh. Jones was in attendance to receive the award for the trio.
The Samaritan Award is given members of the N.C. Highway Patrol that go above and beyond the call of duty to aid or assist others. Deitz, Gibbs and Jones were conducting a routine license check on U.S. Hwy. 19 when they observed a truck coming their way at a fast speed.
The driver stopped in front of them and asked for help, saying his 11-year-old son had been shot. Upon hearing this, Jones retrieved a medical bag, while Deitz and Gibbs assisted the injured boy.
A tourniquet was administered and the officers applied pressure to stop the bleeding. An ambulance was called and the officers helped move the victim to the ambulance for transport.
The boy is recovering from the wound and is reportedly doing well. The action taken by the three officers to stop the bleeding could have indeed not only saved his leg, but his life as well.
Deitz, Gibbs and Jones serve Graham and Swain counties. They are to be commended for their quick action and their dedication to saving the lives of others.
Today, there is family that is very thankful for these three officers.
“It was a group effort,” Jones said.
With such a qualified group of men enforcing safety on the highways, Western North Carolina can rest a little easier knowing troopers are looking out for their communities. During the holiday season, many are traveling on the highways, and it is always important to pay attention to speed limits and wear set belts.
Although these officers are wonderful young men, you don’t want to meet them by way of a blue light.