Deputy honored for courage by state official, sheriff
By Eddie Fitzgerald, Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Goodwin, who is also chairman of Safe Kids North Carolina, said the state was "extremely fortunate" to have citizens like Sawyer.
"Heat stroke tragedies happen far too often and can be prevented," Goodwin said. "Bystanders like
Before the presentation, Sawyer, 30, who has been with the
"I don't think I did anything special," he said. "I was just doing what I would hope any citizen would do. The public needs to be a voice for the children."
On
It was 90 degrees outside, all the windows were rolled up and the child was sweating, Sawyer said.
The door of the vehicle was unlocked, and Sawyer opened it so the baby could get some air, he said.
The child's mother told Sawyer she went in the store to use the restroom. She took her two older children in the store with her and left the 6-month-old baby in the car, he said.
Monette said his department appreciates Sawyer's efforts.
"I hope many more people will take heed," the sheriff said.
Goodwin said that, since 1998, there have been 623 incidents of children dying from heat exhaustion after being left in a hot car. Twenty of those were in
But there were nine children in the state rescued from hot cars this year, Goodwin said.
July is historically the most dangerous month in
"But heat stroke ... is a possibility in our state year round, particularly from February to November," Goodwin said.
Goodwin said he had a three-letter word that people should remember to be aware of the dangers of leaving children in vehicles: ACT.
A -- Avoid heat stroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
C -- Create reminders by putting something in the back seat of your car next to the child, such as a purse or cell phone.
T -- Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
To help prevent child heat stroke tragedies, Safe Kids North Carolina and
The Badge of Courage is an important part of the NLYCAC program, recognizing those who take action to save children's lives. The key to preventing heat stroke tragedies is for every parent and caregiver to understand that this can happen to anybody.
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Mom charged with leaving son in hot car
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