Officer Honored for Saving a Life - TribPapers
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Officer Honored for Saving a Life

Detective Jason Gregg (left) accepts his lifesaving award from Woodfin Police Chief Michael Dykes.

Woodfin Police officers are known more for their keeping the peace and catching criminals, but that’s not always the case. Woodfin Police Detective Jason Gregg was honored for his lifesaving actions at the regular monthly meeting of the Woodfin Commissioners on Tuesday (July 20). His response to a medical emergency prompted the department to present him with a lifesaving award.

According to the report, “On June 15, 2021, at approximately 5 pm, officers of the Woodfin Police Department received a call on an unresponsive person in the parking lot at 10 New Bridge Apartments. Upon their arrival, a male subject was found lying in the parking lot.” Officers quickly determined the subject in question was experiencing an opioid overdose.

Detective Gregg immediately began lifesaving steps for the person. “He ran to his vehicle and retrieved his department-issued naloxone, commonly referred to as NARCAN. Gregg administered the first dose per training and policy but to no effect. “However, he was not deterred. He ran back to his vehicle to retrieve a second dose of NARCAN,” which he gave to the person.

“Officer Gregg refused to give up on a human life and encouraged the subject to wake up and stay awake, shaking him and yelling at him to wake up. Before medics arrived on scene Officer Gregg had the subject alert and responsive.” 

Had Detective Gregg not intervened, the man would’ve died, said other officers on the scene.

“Detective Gregg’s determination and selflessness are qualities that are desired in every law enforcement officer. His quick thinking in response to training were evident in this incident which led to a successful outcome. I am extremely proud to call Detective Jason Gregg one of our own,” Woodfin Police Chief Michael Dykes told the board.