Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant Jeff Reed, of the Lawrenceburg District, is being hailed as a hero, after rescuing a woman and two children Thursday night.
The Giles County area experienced a severe weather event, consisting of high winds and strong rains. The THP dispatchers alerted Sgt. Reed that US Highway 31 in Giles County was flooded and there were vehicles in the area. The sergeant proceeded directly to the area and noticed that a vehicle was trapped in deep water with a lady waving her hands frantically out the window.
Sergeant Reed waded through approximately four feet of water to get to the vehicle. Once he reached the vehicle he removed a baby, young boy and a woman from the water-trapped vehicle to safety. Officials said, "The actions displayed by Sergeant Reed were heroic in a time of imminent crisis." Sergeant Reed said, “I was just doing my job and trying to help them.”
Colonel Tracy Trott said, “This was an outstanding job, there is no doubt that Sergeant Reed saved lives last night! I’m very proud of his actions and his reaction to duty before self. He is a tremendous representation of our department and I am very proud to serve with him.”
Commissioner Bill Gibbons said, “In such turbulent times where law enforcement face extreme challenges daily it is an honor to be affiliated with men/women like Sergeant Reed.”