Training: The Potential to Save Lives?
By CPO Nancy Y. Paulin, Orlando North P&P
On Sunday, May 8, High Risk Supervision (HRS) Officer Kimmie Weldon proved to be not only a good Samaritan, she also demonstrated the thing that all first responder instructors stress; “You never know when you will be called to help.”
Along with others, HRS Officer Weldon of the 9th Circuit stopped her vehicle to aid the injured in a multiple vehicle traffic accident on Interstate 4. The accident, as reported in the May 9 Orlando Sentinel, was caused by an aggressive driver. The driver and another person were killed and eight (8) others were hurt, some with life-threatening injuries.
Weldon used her first responder training by applying pressure to an open wound on the forehead of one of the drivers. She also observed and aided the other passenger of the vehicle who showed no serious physical injuries, but was experiencing probable shock symptoms. Weldon remained with the victims until medical personnel arrived.
As much as we sometimes complain about training and the unnecessary need for it, this demonstration of skilled humanity proved its importance. Practice, practice, practice and practice some more. We should always be open to training as there is always an opportunity to show the community just how much we care.
Our hats and our hearts say a special cheer for Officer Weldon and prayers for the victims.
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Sheriff Rick Beseler
Post Office Box 548
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043-0548
(904) 284-7575 (904) 264-6512 (352) 473-7211
FAX (904) 284-0710
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| Colonel J. Palmer
Union Correctional Institution
7819 NW 228th St.
Raiford, FL 32026-2600
Colonel Palmer:
On February 8th, 2005 at approximately 2110 hours, a robbery occurred at the Jefferson Sprint Store located at 1091 Blanding Blvd in Orange Park. Upon arrival, responding deputies learned the suspect was last seen running from the store East, down Jefferson Avenue. A perimeter was established and K-9 support was requested from Union Correctional Institution. Sergeant Jason Polk, Officer Sam Norris, and Officer Eric responded to the request for assistance. Upon their arrival, they were briefed on the circumstances and quickly established a track from the business. The K-9 team was able to locate the weapon used to commit the robbery, articles of the suspect's clothing, and some of the money taken during the robbery. The team continued to track the suspect for approximately two miles until they pushed the suspect out of a wooded area where he was apprehended by one of the deputies on the perimeter. The team continued tracking to where the suspect was located.
The professionalism and expertise of the above listed officers directly resulted in the capture of an armed robbery suspect and possibly prevented the commission of future robberies. Their dedication to duty is a credit to the officers of this team as well as the Florida Department of Corrections as a whole. The Clay County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our sincere appreciation to these officers and the Florida Department of Corrections.
Sincerely,
Captain Lee Harris
Chief of Patrol
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Union CI K-9 Team
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