An 8-year-veteran of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was recognized last Wednesday for his role in saving the lives of two of the three victims involved in an accident just outside of Franklinton lastSeptember.
Sgt. John O’Hern of the Sheriff’s Office received the Life Saving Award in a ceremony at the Washington Parish Courthouse. This past November, two officers from the Franklinton Police Department also received Life Savings Awards for their actions in working with Sgt. O’Hern to rescue the victims.
The accident happened last September near the intesection of Highway 25 and Highway 10, west of Franklinton. A vehicle was upside down and partially submerged in the backwaters alongside the road.
Three victims were trapped inside the vehicle.
O’Hern, joined by FPD’s Sgt. Trey Johnson and Patrolman Jonathan Leche, could not get the vehicle’s doors open. Together, working as a team, they lifted the vehicle just enough for Leche to get inside and remove the back seat passengers.
The third victim remained trapped in the vehicle, so the three rescuers again worked as a team and moved the vehicle and then pulled the trapped victim out.
Two of the victims survived. The third victim, 44-year old Bobby Harriel of Ruth, Mississippi, died as a result of the accident.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Sheriff Randy Seal commended O’Hern as well as Johnson and Leche.
Seal said, “Their selflessness and courage in the face of danger serve as an inspiration to us all, highlighting the essence of public service and sacrifice.”
O’Hern was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Lacie, and his children, Zoe and Mason.
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