SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A Springfield Police Officer has been recognized for his heroic actions in helping save a man’s life a few months back.
On July 2, Officer Matthew Torres was dispatched to an accident with injuries at the intersection of South Wirt Avenue and East Stuart Street. A 911 call had reported that a vehicle collided with the railroad tracks, resulting in a male occupant being ejected from the vehicle. The caller noted that the male had suffered a severe leg injury.
When Officer Torres arrived, he found the man, identified as Willie D. Crawford, lying just east of the railroad tracks. Torres observed that Crawford’s right pant leg was torn with fresh bleeding below the knee, and a bone was visibly protruding through the material.
Officer Torres recognized the severity of the injury and quickly applied a tourniquet to the upper right leg.
Shortly after, the Springfield Fire Department arrived and assumed primary medical responsibilities. Crawford was subsequently transported to the hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
In recognition of his crucial actions, Officer Torres was honored by Chief Joe Behl and Mayor Misty Buscher with both the Springfield Police Department Life Saving Award and the Mayor’s Certificate of Honor.
“Officer Torres’ quick thinking and decisive action in applying the tourniquet undoubtedly helped slow the blood loss and saved Crawford’s life,” the Springfield Police stated in a press release. “For his actions, Officer Torres received the Life Saving Award, one of the department’s highest honors.”
