Officers Recognized for Job Well Done

On April 27, 2014 at approximately 2 p.m., Lt. Tyrone Scales was responding to a call in the Spray section of Eden. As Lt. Scales approached Governor Morehead Park on Church Street, he was flagged down by a visibly frantic Nicole Mize. Ms. Mize reported that her 8-year-old son Nicholas was trapped in the canal at the waterfall and dam.

Ms. Mize and her children had been at the park to take photographs when Nicholas crossed the creek. After he crossed, the dam spillway opened, allowing a tremendous amount of water to be released and trapping him with the water level quickly rising. Nicholas had nowhere to go with rushing water in front of him and a steep, overgrown cliff to his back. He courageously held onto a tree awaiting help.   

Lt. Scales called for rescue assistance on the radio and went to the scene. D-Squad officers heard the call and immediately responded. The Eden Rescue Squad was dispatched to the scene. State Trooper Danny Burgess and Officer Brian Roland were monitoring the radio, heard the call for assistance and responded to help as well. Officers Jon Gourley, Frank Wyatt, Jay Parker and Jamie Buffkin arrived at the creek and immediately went into action. Officer Buffkin remained with Ms. Mize who had suffered minor abrasions trying to get to her son. Officer Gourley, a K-9 handler, grabbed a 30-foot-long leash and Officers Wyatt and Parker used it to lower him to Nicholas. Officer Gourley tied the rope around Nicholas and Officers Wyatt and Parker pulled him to safety. 

Nicholas and Ms. Mize were treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises.

This was a great success and show of teamwork by a dedicated group of public safety professionals. You are commended for your outstanding performance.