One of my initial goals as secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety is to talk with our employees to learn more about the challenges they face every day. Last week I traveled to Greenville and Fayetteville to recognize and honor several of our state troopers who put service and sacrifice above themselves.
In August, Troopers L. Crumpler and M. Bunn performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking passenger who was traveling on U.S. 70 in Carteret County. In October, Trooper R.E. Cannaday rendered first aid to a lady whose vehicle had overturned and was submerged in a creek.
Our troopers put their lives on the line every day to keep motorists safe. At a time when our nation struggles with difficult economic times, leaving many of us longing for better days, recognizing the heroic acts of troopers like these gives us hope and promise that the American spirit will prevail. It’s not significant just because it saved a life, but because it’s a reflection of their character and commitment to service.