'Give Back to Heroes' honors Coweta deputy
By ALEX MCRAE
alex@newnan.com
Coweta Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Ross has received an honor for his role in saving a motorist’s life on Sept. 10, 2011, by pulling her from a burning car.
The award and gift, a big-screen TV, was presented to Ross by Peachtree City attorney Shane Smith as part of his office’s program called “Give Back to the Heroes.”
Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager noted that Ross has received several awards honoring his actions and said he deserves them all.
“We are proud of what Jason did on Sept. 10, 2011,” Yeager said, “and not just on that call, but on every call. This exemplifies what he does every day and we really appreciate his work.”
Ross said he was overwhelmed by all the awards and attention he has received, and expressed his thanks to the community he serves. “Everyone has been great to me,” he said. “I was just doing my job, though and I’m glad I was there when it happened. I knew if I didn’t do something I didn’t want to go the rest of my life wondering what might have happened, so I went to work.
Ross expressed special thanks to his supervisors, Lt. Russell McCollum and Sgt. Justin Thompson.
The incident for which Ross was honored occurred on September 10, 2011, when Ross placed his own life in danger while saving a motorist that was involved in a head-on crash on Lower Fayetteville Road.
When Ross arrived on the scene, one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames. The driver was trapped inside and Ross was unable to put out the fire with his fire extinguisher. Ross was not able to open the driver’s door and entered the vehicle through the passenger’s door.
While performing the rescue, Ross received burns to his face and arms. Ross was able to pull the victim from the vehicle and, with the help of a passing motorist, move the victim to safety on the shoulder of the road. Ross rendered assistance to the victim until the Coweta County Emergency Medical Service units arrived.
Ross received a commendation from his supervisors and Yeager nominated Ross for several valor awards following his actions.
