This past Tuesday evening at the City Board meeting, I had the honor of recognizing three of our officers for their actions during a serious call that, because of their quick response and teamwork, ended with a very good outcome.
On August 29th, Sergeant Jeremy Tenney, Patrol Officer Joseph Boyd, and Patrol Officer Gabe DeRousse responded to a report of a female drowning in Willow Pond. Within minutes of the initial call, these officers were on scene and working together to bring the situation under control.
Without hesitation, Sergeant Tenney entered the water to reach the female and assist in getting her to safety. Because of his courage and willingness to act when seconds mattered, Sergeant Tenney was presented with the Perryville Police Department Lifesaving Medal.
While Sergeant Tenney entered the water, Officers Boyd and DeRousse immediately assisted with the rescue effort and supported Tenney as the officers worked together to get the female safely out of the water. Although they did not enter the water themselves, their quick response, teamwork, and assistance were an important part of bringing this critical situation to a successful conclusion. For their actions, both officers were presented with a Chief’s Commendation.
As Chief, there are a lot of things I get to be proud of, but moments like this are special.
I am incredibly proud of Jeremy, Joe, and Gabe. When someone in our community needed them, they responded without hesitation, worked together, and did exactly what we hope our officers will do when faced with a critical situation.
They represented themselves, this department, and our community exceptionally well.
Gentlemen, thank you for what you did that evening. I could not be more proud to call you members of the Perryville Police Department.
Job well done.
I also want to say how proud I am of all of the men and women of the Perryville Police Department. I see the work they put in every day, often without recognition or attention, and I am proud of the way they continue to serve this community.