Officers receive award from WRMC nurses
Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007
Washington Regional Medical Center presented its Nurses' Heroes Award to two Fayetteville police officers Friday as part of the 2007 Nurses' Day celebration.
The award recognized Cpl. Philip Crosby and Officer Chris Denton for their heroic actions when they pulled 33-year-old Sean Barnes from his burning vehicle in March.
The officers responded to the accident at about 1: 30 a.m. on March 21 near the intersection of Gregg and Township.
"They arrived at the scene to find a sport utility vehicle close to being fully engulfed in flames," said Claudia Williams, chief nursing supervisor. "To their horror, they heard a voice calling for help from inside the burning Subaru."
The voice was that of Barnes, who was trapped inside. Denton and Crosby instantly sprung into action and attempted to pull Barnes from the car. After several attempts, the two officers were finally able to pry open the door and drag Barnes to safety.
"But their job didn't end there," Williams said. "Mr. Barnes' legs were on fire. The officers patted out the flames and talked constantly with him to keep him calm and prevent him from going into shock as they waited for the ambulance to arrive."
Barnes, Denton and Crosby were taken to Washington Regional Medical Center. The two officers were treated for minor cuts, burns and smoke inhalation. Barnes was transported to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, where he is currently listed in "good"condition.
The rescue efforts of Denton and Crosby were captured on the officers'mobile vehicle recorder, and the video has since gained national attention.
In early April, Denton and Crosby received three awards and a congratulatory letter from Gov. Mike Beebe for pulling Barnes from his burning car. Denton and Crosby received the firstever Police Chief's Award of Valor from Police Chief Greg Tabor, the Fayetteville Fire Department's Bravery Award from Fire Chief Tony Johnson and the Life Saving Award from Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody.
On Friday, Denton and Crosby became the first recipients ever to receive the Nurses' Hero Awards.
"Gentlemen, we can never thank you enough for your service as law enforcement officers and guardians of our safety," Williams said.
The Nurses' Heroes Awards were created to recognize acts of public service in the community.
"My wife is also a nurse, and she inspires me all the time," Crosby said. "In fact, last night we were listening to the radio and there were three or four accidents with injury at one time. Just to see the orchestration of it all amazes me. I'm proud of what you do, and you should be proud, too."
Also honored during the event: Mary Moss for Nursing Director of the Year, Linda Moore for Nursing Support of the Year, Rebecca Presley for Assistant Director of the Year and Linda Duffel for Nurse of the Year.
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