When the skies turned ominous over Elbert County, #DCSO Deputy Skalisky was on his usual route, his dash camera rolling as routine, but what it captured was anything but ordinary: the stark image of a tornado spiraling violently into existence. The video, shared by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, showed the Deputy's encounter with the natural phenomenon as he was heading to work on what became a startling afternoon.
It wasn't simply a matter of recording the event, Deputy Skalisky, whose training as a paramedic complements his law enforcement role, leaped into action; he reported the tornado to the Douglas Regional Dispatch and then, without hesitation, drove through the diminishing tranquility to check on the residents caught in the path of the tempest and to assess the damage, at the same time vigilant for any gas leaks that might compound the danger. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office praised the Deputy's actions, stating, "He called it into Douglas Regional Dispatch and then immediately started checking on nearby residents, assessing the damage, and ensuring there were no gas leaks."
Douglas County Sheriff's Office extolled Deputy Skalisky's responsiveness and poise in a situation where seconds could make the difference between safety and peril in their post saying, "We’re proud of his quick thinking, calm under pressure, and commitment to the safety of our neighbors." This incident underscores the unpredictable risks first responders face and the vital role they play in safeguarding their communities, even from threats as unforeseeable and rapid as a tornado descending from a seemingly placid sky.
