Life Saving Incident
February 9,1984
California
San Diego County
San Diego
On February 9, 1984 Officer Michael Flanagan responded to a report of a man buried in a trench at a construction site. Even though the fifteen foot deep by four foot wide trench was still crumbling, Officer Flanagan entered the trench to assist in locating the victim who was completely buried under two feet of dirt and rocks. Officer Flanagan dug with his hands until he located the victim. He was able to uncover the victim's head and shoulders. The victim was already starting to turn blue from a lack of oxygen but Officer Flanagan was able to free enough of the chest area to allow him to start breathing . Officer Flanagan continued his life saving efforts until the fire department rescue crew arrived and then assisted them for another fifteen minutes until the victim was freed. Officer Flanagan's quick action in the face of personal danger saved the life of a fellow human being. He was awarded the life saving medal.
The history of law enforcement in the United States is a long and wonderful history of bravery. This website is dedicated to documenting the heroic deeds of law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have either given or risked their lives to save others. There are many stories of bravery and heroism for many who are considered first responders. However, it is those in law enforcement who are most likely to be the first to arrive upon a location requiring life saving acts engaging dangerous hostage takers, running into burning buildings/vehicles, providing first aid to seriously injured victims, saving near drowning victims and much more are what the women and men of law enforcement do routinely and at many times, great peril to their own safety.
It is our mission to document the history of lives saved by those dedicated women and men in law enforcement. To share with others the dramatic deeds of those individuals who are the first, first responders. It is so important for our citizens to understand that law "enforcement" is not always about enforcing the law but rather being there when our citizens need us.
It is to this end we are dedicated to promoting documentation regarding the history of law enforcement and the lives they have saved.
