STATE TROOPER RECEIVES HEROISM AWARD

For Release: Immediate
Date: August 07, 2002

Phone:(919) 733-5027 (Ext. 233)

STATE TROOPER RECEIVES HEROISM AWARD

LILLINGTON- Bryan E. Beatty, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety (CC&PS), will present Trooper James Stahl of the State Highway Patrol with the Department's highest award for bravery in a ceremony on Thursday, August 8, 2002. Trooper Stahl is stationed at the Patrol's Troop B, District 8 office, in Lillington.

"Trooper Stahl's heroic actions, without regard for his personal safety, saved the life of Mr. John Gunn," said Beatty. "He is to be commended for his unselfish act of bravery."

On Saturday, December 1, 2001, Trooper Stahl was directed to investigate a motor vehicle collision on NC 27 near Lillington. Upon his arrival he observed a vehicle involved in a collision off of the roadway with the engine area of the vehicle engulfed in flames. A passenger was lying partially in the vehicle, inches from the flames. Trooper Stahl rushed to the passenger, who was unresponsive, and pulled him from the vehicle away from further danger.

"Trooper Stahl went above and beyond the normal call of duty on this occasion, and saved a life. This level of service exemplifies what it means to be a State Trooper-to serve others," said Colonel Richard Holden, Highway Patrol Commander.

The Heroism Award is CC&PS's highest award for bravery and is given only to those who have risked their own lives to save others.

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Editor's Note: The award ceremony will be held Thursday, August 8, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. at the Harnett County Law Enforcement Center, Room 107, 1005 Edwards Drive in Lillington. You are invited to attend and cover the story.

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