Woodfin – Life-saving awards were given to two Woodfin Police Officers at the regular meeting of the Woodfin Commissioners on Tuesday, August 21.
The presentation was made by Woodfin Police Chief Michael Dykes to Sergeant Joshua Grier and Officer Matthew Buckner for quick actions taken on August 4 at approximately 9:32 pm.
According to Dykes’ statement to the board, “Buncombe County Sheriffs Office received the report of a stabbing that took place…in Alexander” about a male victim who was “placed in a vehicle and was being driven to the hospital with a stab wound to his neck.”
Quick-action
Grier and Buckner “were able to locate the vehicle and get it to stop at the intersection of Old Marshall Hwy and Weaverville Rd. Upon inspection of the wound, it was apparent the victim was losing a large amount of blood. At that point, Officer Buckner grabbed his personal tactical first aid kit and provided wound dressing to Sergeant Grier. Sergeant Grier then applied the dressing to the injury, packing the stab wound with gauze and applying pressure to control bleeding until EMS could arrive on the scene.”
During a conversation with Buncombe County Deputy Michael Fisher about the incident, “Woodfin Police Sgt. Matt Miller ( who made the life-saving award recommendation) was informed that Deputy Fisher spoke with the doctor in the emergency room who was caring for the victim. According to Deputy Fisher, the doctor stated that if it were not for the actions of the Woodfin Police Department Officers, the victim would not have made it to the hospital alive.”
“Sgt. Grier and Officer Buckner took extraordinary steps to save the life of a human being. Thanks to their advanced training in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, these officers were able to provide a level of care well above and beyond the minimum standards required for law enforcement certification,” Dykes told the board. “Their ability to remain composed and keep the victim calm showcases the professionalism we strive to elicit from each of our officers. I am extremely proud to present the Woodfin Police Department Life Saving Award and pin to Sgt. Joshua Grier and Officer Matthew Buckner.”
These are the third life-saving awards presented to Woodfin officers in the last couple
of months.