Contact: Captain Everett Clendenin
Date: February 12, 2009
Phone: (919) 733-5027 x233

State Trooper Receives Award

 

Reuben Young, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety (CC&PS), and Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., Commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol will present Trooper R. E. Cannaday with the Department's Commendation Award and the Highway Patrol's Samaritan Award in a ceremony on Thursday, Feb 12th at 1:15 p.m. at Troop B Headquarters in Fayetteville.

 “Trooper Cannaday's actions made a difference on October 14, 2008, when he assisted a lady submerged underwater in a vehicle on Titan Roberts Road in Harnett County,” said Young. “He is to be commended for his actions.”

On October 14th, Trooper Cannaday was stopped by two people who told him a vehicle was overturned in a creek with a lady submerged under water. Trooper Cannaday entered into the creek, opened the back door and lifted the lady's head out of the water and continued to render aid until EMS arrived.

 “Trooper Cannaday demonstrated good judgment by helping a lady trapped in a vehicle underwater. This level of service exemplifies what it means to be a State Trooper—to serve others,” said Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., Highway Patrol Commander.

The Commendation Award is the Department's second highest award for heroism. The Commendation Award is presented to employees who prevent injury or death because of their actions.

Editor's Note: The award ceremony will be held Thursday, Feb 12th at 1:15 p.m. at Troop B Headquarters, 2435 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville. You are invited to attend and cover the story.