Three Perryville police officers were honored by Police Chief Dustin Miller for their actions that saved a woman from drowning in August during the City of Perryville’s regular meeting on September 23.
Sergeant Jeremy Tenney, officer Joseph Boyd and officer Gabe Derousse quickly responded to an emergency call in which a woman was in danger of drowning. According to Miller, the three officers responded to the call, saving the woman’s life within minutes of the emergency call being made.
“From the moment this call was dispatched there was an immediate threat to human life and very little time to react,” Miller said. “Both officers responded quickly and became an important part of the rescue effort. Through the combined actions of Sergeant Tenney, Officer Boyd, and Officer Derousse, the female was successfully removed from the water at approximately 2100 hours.”
The female was said to be in good condition after being taken to the emergency room following the incident.
Miller praised the officers for their success in saving the woman in such a quick and professional manner.
“Successful outcomes in situations like this depend on teamwork,” Miller said. “They depend on officers arriving quickly, recognizing what needs to be done, supporting one another, and remaining focused when seconds matter. Officer Boyd and Officer Derousse demonstrated those qualities that evening. Their quick response, professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to the preservation of human life contributed to a successful outcome. Most importantly, they were there when someone in our community needed help, and they did their jobs exceptionally well.”
Officers Boyd and Derousse were rewarded for their actions with letters of recommendation as well as a Chiefs Commendation from the Federal Police Department
“Joe and Gabe, thank you for your response, your professionalism, and your teamwork,” Miller said “I am proud of both of you, and I appreciate the way you represented this department when it mattered most.”
Officer Tenney was presented with a Life Saving Award from Chief Miller for his involvement.
“Faced with danger and uncertainty, he placed the life of another before his own and safety and took immediate action when that individual needed him the most,” Miller said. “His courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of human life reflected great credit upon himself and embodied the highest traditions of the Perryville Police Department and the law enforcement profession. Because of his willingness to act, a life was preserved and a person was given the opportunity to return home to those who care about her.”
The three officers were recognized by the Mayor and the board of aldermen and presented with their awards before the regular Sept 23. meeting.
