Gov. Deal Recognizes Conyers Officer for Act of Heroism (Conyers, GA—December 18, 2014) Governor Nathan Deal gave the keynote address at the Governor’s Public Safety Awards (GPSA) ceremony held Wednesday at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth. Twelve outstanding public safety professionals were recognized for acts of heroism. Conyers Police Officer Stephen J. Blanchette was awarded a medallion and his name was added to the GPSA monument located inside GPSTC. “It is my honor to recognize Georgia’s brave law enforcement officers and emergency responders,” said Governor Deal. “These courageous individuals have made a commitment to help safeguard our communities and protect our families and I cannot thank them enough for their loyal and tireless service to our state.” The annual GPSA program began in 1998 to recognize public safety officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect citizens and make significant contributions to the public safety profession at large. Act of Heroism award recognizes those who, within the previous year, performed an exceptional deed that resulted in saving lives and/or protecting property. On February 23, 2014, Officer Blanchette was on patrol when flagged down by a citizen who just witnessed a horrific crash. What remained of a Chrysler Sebring lay inverted, mangled, and crumpled, at the bottom of a 35 foot ravine. The vehicle had been traveling in excess of 100 mph when it left the roadway and demolished a 47 foot tall power pole that was supporting multiple active electrical and cable lines. The force of impact was so great it pulled the base of the pole from the ground, which was buried 8 feet deep, and carried it 166 feet to final rest in the ravine with the vehicle. Upon impact with the embankment, the front passenger was partially ejected, and a broken leg pinned beneath the vehicle which immediately burst into flames. At great personal risk, Officer Blanchette grabbed his fire extinguisher and entered the ravine with damaged power lines looming directly above. Officer Blanchette found one victim only feet from the vehicle, which was rapidly succumbing to the building fire. The victim had suffered a disabling injury to his leg and unable to get away. Officer Blanchette took hold and dragged him up the embankment, where he was able to get assistance from a Good Samaritan who had stopped to assist. Officer Blanchette returned to the burning vehicle in attempt to rescue the other trapped victim. Unfortunately, there was no longer a safe way to approach. The flames were extremely hot and had reached as high as the power lines overhead. At great personal risk, and through his immediate action, Officer Blanchette looked fear in the face and saved the life of the crash victim that night.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:52:24 +0000
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