Camden Police Officers and Sheriff Deputies were recognized at the county commission meeting for heroism in two major fire tragedies over the last two weeks.
Monday evening, County Mayor Brett Lashlee said, “On the night of November 28, Camden Police Officer Russell Wood and Deputy Jerry Wood re-entered three times the burning house on Court St., in an effort to save a man’s life. Officer Melissa Smith, maintained the area.”
He continued the recognition with, “On December 9, JJ Hardin, K-9 officer, was first on the scene at Vicksburg Rd. He called for backup, Sergeant Jonathan Bailey assisted Hardin. Deputies, Kenneth Wright, Michael Blake Riley and Police Officer Mickey Howe were the next on the scene. All suffered smoke inhalation at variant degrees and received oxygen.”
Before presenting each officer a certificate of “gratitude and bravery,” Lashlee said, “Disregarding their own safety, these deputies and officers rushed into burning flames to save others. They personify the spirit of law enforcement.
He finished with, “In the day and age when officers of the law are attacked, they refuse to give up, still putting the safety and welfare of others above themselves.”
