When police officers go to work each morning, they have no idea what their day will be like. They may be required to deal with a hazardous scenario in which they put their own lives at risk. We also know that when the need arises, they will never hesitate to lend a hand.
This is precisely what a deputy in Colorado has done, when he made the courageous decision to put his life on the line to save others.
On April 11th, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received calls about a wrong-way driver on eastbound I-70 entering the department at roughly 11:00 p.m. The person in question was going at a high rate of speed and posed an obvious risk to everyone he came into contact with. As the situation worsened, authorities began to respond and prepare how to detain the motorist.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado wrote on their Facebook Page:
“Deputies headed to the area and eastbound traffic was able to be stopped at mile marker 310 to hopefully avoid a head on collision. There were over a dozen vehicles stopped in the eastbound lanes as the wrong way driver approached.
One deputy bravely put himself and his vehicle in harms way ahead of the stopped vehicles to intercept the incoming vehicle and allowed himself to be struck so the other vehicles would not be hit. ”
The wrong-way driver and the deputy’s vehicle were both sent skidding for 140 feet as a result of the collision. They came to a stop just in front of a stopped semi-truck, which was a fortuitous circumstance.
Because of the officer’s quick actions, not only were the drivers of stopped cars safe but also no one was injured in the collision.
The sheriff’s department issued the following statement:
“Thankfully neither the deputy, the driver, nor anyone else on the interstate suffered any major injuries. Both the driver and deputy were treated by medical as a precaution.”
Though his name has not been revealed, the sheriff’s office did say in the comments on their post that “He is a very brave deputy that serves with true professionalism.” The post added: “We are thankful that the only casualties were the vehicles involved. There is no doubt that without the deputy’s quick action and bravery several vehicles would have been struck at high speeds and lives would have been lost.”
Many people praised the courageous police officer for his efforts. A person wrote: “Thank you officer! I drive a semi on I70 and other Colorado highways and I appreciate you and all law enforcement’s service. Thank you again.” Another person: “WOW! What a selfless hero! Who knows how may injuries or even lives he saved! Amazing dedication and courage!”
The sheriff’s office has not released the reason for the driver’s mistake, and no charges have been filed in connection with it. The focus of attention has solely been on the nameless yet incredibly heroic deputy, who risked his life to safeguard his neighborhood.
