Life Saving Incident
October 24, 1970
California
San Diego County
San Diego
On October 24, 1970 Officer R. Sam Drew responded to a radio call concerning an individual standing on the edge of a hotel roof top. Officer Drew and two other officers volunteered to approach the individual. At that time the subject was precariously near the edge of the roof. The building was about 70 feet high. The man was gesturing as if he intended to jump from the roof. . Officer Drew approached the man carefully so that the individual did not realize Drew was coming closer to him. Drew was able to quickly grab the man from behind. Drew hung onto the man and a fire escape ladder while the subject was struggling to get loose from Drew's grasp. The man wanted to jump and take Drew with him. The other officers were a short distance away and ran to Drew's position. They grabbed him and the man and pulled them to safety. According to the Chief of Police "Officer Drew showed exceptional bravery and initiative in this action and in doing so saved the subject's life".
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.
