By Ryan Seals
News & Record
BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — A Highway Patrol trooper who pulled a woman from a rain-swollen creek in McLeansville in June was one of several area patrolmen state officials recognized Wednesday for heroism.
Trooper T.G. Wilson received the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety’s Heroism Award and the Highway Patrol’s Award of Valor for initially saving the life of 50-year-old Roseanne Tippett of Browns Summit on June 3.
During heavy rainfall that night, Wilson came upon a flooded road near a creek in the 6700 block of McLeansville Road near Northeast Middle School.
Wilson stopped to warn other motorists of the area and prevent them from crossing.
Tippett, who was traveling on a moped scooter, avoided Wilson, lost control and crashed into the waterway.
She was overcome by the fast-moving water and Wilson, using a flotation device and rope, jumped into the creek and pulled her to safety.
While interviewing her, he suspected she had been drinking. She then ran from him and jumped back into the creek.
Wilson tried to save the woman a second time, but was unsuccessful. The woman’s body was recovered later.
“I really didn’t have time to think. I just kind of reacted - relying on my training,” Wilson said after receiving his awards at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
“I don’t think anyone I work with would have done anything differently.”
Also honored was Trooper M.L. Mann, who was involved in a six-week street racing investigation in Guilford and Forsyth counties. The investigation targeted complaints of street racing in the High Point area. Through extensive undercover work, troopers brought 150 charges, obtained 80 arrest warrants and seized 33 vehicles.
The probe was the largest street-racing investigation ever on the East Coast, according to the Highway Patrol. Mann received two Meritorious Awards for his work in the investigation.
“Anytime we can possibly prevent an accident or someone losing their life, it’s a great feeling,” Mann said. “It’s part of our job and something we do day in and day out. It’s just nice to be recognized for it.”
Other troopers were honored at a separate ceremony in Lewisville:
l Sgt. R. Robles and Trooper J.M. Byrd received Meritorious Service Awards for their roles in the street- racing investigation.
l Trooper M.T. Dalton received a Commendation Award and the Highway Patrol Samaritan Award for performing life-saving CPR on a motorist on U.S. 601 in Davie County.
l Trooper J. Dixon received a Commendation and Samaritan Awards for successfully performing CPR on a drowning victim while off duty.
“We give these awards to these troopers who do these outstanding jobs and we don’t do enough of it,” said Col. Randy Glover, commander of the Highway Patrol.
“When we get a chance to honor these guys who put their life on the line to serve the citizens of this state it makes us all feel real good.”
Copyright 2009 News & Record