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Denton County communications officer recognized for quick response
From Staff Reports
Denton County Sheriff’s Office Communications officer Aaron Scott received a letter of commendation and a Sheriff’s Recognition Award recently for his actions on February 25, 2012, assisting the conductor of a DCTA A-Train when it struck two pedestrians walking on the Lake Lewisville bridge and knocked them into the waters of the lake.
Officer Scott was returning from a medical training class when he noticed the northbound commuter train abruptly braking the train and exiting the car. He immediately parked his vehicle and ran to the conductor, learning that two pedestrians had been struck and were in the shallow water near a rocky embankment.
Officer Scott and the conductor made their way to the subjects and pulled them out of immediate danger. He helped stabilize the male subject and calmed him while waiting for emergency medical responders. The man made confused attempts to get up, but Officer Scott assured the patient that help was on the way and stayed with him until CareFlite arrived and took him to Plano Presbyterian Hospital. He later died, but the female patient survived.
Communications sergeant Bonnie Putnam, who nominated Officer Scott for the award, praised not only his actions, but his character.
“On this day Aaron went above and beyond the call of duty—he was a hero,” she said. “He exemplifies the definition of a true gentleman and I am incredibly proud to have someone of his caliber on my team.”
The response to unexpected emergencies is an indication of true character, Sheriff Benny Parkey said.
“The willingness to place the needs of others above one’s own safety is one of the highest qualities any officer can have,” Sheriff Parkey said. “Officer Scott demonstrated a level of uncommon valor and dedication, and his actions serve as an example for us all.”
Officer Scott was returning from a medical training class when he noticed the northbound commuter train abruptly braking the train and exiting the car. He immediately parked his vehicle and ran to the conductor, learning that two pedestrians had been struck and were in the shallow water near a rocky embankment.
Officer Scott and the conductor made their way to the subjects and pulled them out of immediate danger. He helped stabilize the male subject and calmed him while waiting for emergency medical responders. The man made confused attempts to get up, but Officer Scott assured the patient that help was on the way and stayed with him until CareFlite arrived and took him to Plano Presbyterian Hospital. He later died, but the female patient survived.
Communications sergeant Bonnie Putnam, who nominated Officer Scott for the award, praised not only his actions, but his character.
“On this day Aaron went above and beyond the call of duty—he was a hero,” she said. “He exemplifies the definition of a true gentleman and I am incredibly proud to have someone of his caliber on my team.”
The response to unexpected emergencies is an indication of true character, Sheriff Benny Parkey said.
“The willingness to place the needs of others above one’s own safety is one of the highest qualities any officer can have,” Sheriff Parkey said. “Officer Scott demonstrated a level of uncommon valor and dedication, and his actions serve as an example for us all.”
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