Officer Smith #663, from the Euless Police Department, has been awarded the Medal of Valor by the Arlington Police Department, recognizing his heroic actions during an off-duty incident in the summer of 2024. According to a social media post by the Euless Police Department, Smith stumbled upon a vehicle fire in Arlington and, without hesitation, with the smoke rising from the crashed vehicle, rescued a child and attempted to save an adult's life.
Despite being off-duty and without his standard-issue gear, Officer Smith demonstrated the level of commitment to public safety that transcended the call of duty. Upon observing the fire, Smith immediately took control of the situation, enlisting the help of bystanders, breaking windows, and pulling the victims from the wreckage. He administered CPR until medical personnel arrived, but the driver, unfortunately, succumbed to their injuries. The child, on the other hand, survived with minor injuries.
The Medal of Valor awarded by the Arlington Police Department is reserved for acts of "exceptional bravery at great risk of life or serious bodily injury," where actions demonstrate "extraordinary courage," as detailed in an announcement by the Euless Police Department. Officer Smith's response exemplified the essence of this honor by performing a course of action that was extremely dangerous.
