VA officers recognized for aiding crash victims

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Four officers from the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center helped save the lives of a man and six children after coming upon a serious crash on Marble Hill Road while en route to training, officials said.

Lt. John Pruett, Lt. Phillip Schalk, Cpl. Terrell McCollough and Officer Blaine Murrell stopped after seeing a damaged vehicle in a yard and quickly realized the crash involved multiple serious injuries.

McCollough, a licensed practical nurse, and Murrell, a paramedic with more than 20 years of experience, immediately began triaging victims while Pruett retrieved medical supplies. Schalk and the others assisted in treating wounds, including a child with a severe head injury.

Recognizing the scope of the incident, Murrell contacted emergency medical services directly to request additional ambulances. Crews ultimately transported the injured to area hospitals, and all survived, officials said.

James Patterson, acting police chief at the VA Medical Center, praised the officers’ response. “They were at the right place at the right time, and I am extremely proud of these four officers for the actions they took that day to save lives,” Patterson said.

He credited their training and teamwork for stabilizing the victims until EMS arrived. “These officers embody the professionalism of each member of our police family,” Patterson said.