Encouraging and highlighting positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve is a mission close to my heart. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I know the dangers these brave men and women can face. When these officers leave for work, they never know what challenges lie ahead of them.

Last October, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers Brian Clary, Chris Folsom and David Smith were responding to a traffic crash on I-10 when a second crash occurred at the scene. The second crash resulted in a vehicle being pushed off the roadway—pinning the car between a tractor trailer and a tree. The tractor trailer quickly caught fire and spread to the vehicle.

The vehicle’s driver, Dwayne Greenhill, was trapped inside as the vehicle became engulfed in flames. Troopers Clary, Folsom and Smith immediately rushed to Greenhill’s aid and began using fire extinguishers to put out the flames while attempting to rescue Mr. Greenhill from the burning vehicle.

Once out of the vehicle, the troopers administered lifesaving first aid to Greenhill until paramedics arrived to transport him to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Because of the immediate and heroic actions of all three troopers, Mr. Greenhill’s life was saved, and he made a full recovery.

This week, I presented Back the Blue Awards to the troopers for their life-saving actions, with Mr. Greenhill in attendance.

I am so proud of the quick thinking and life-saving work of these heroes. They know firsthand the many inherent dangers of responding to a traffic crash, along with the subsequent dangers of secondary collisions. Thank you, Troopers Clary, Folsom and Smith, for your bravery. Florida is safer because of your service.

Do you know a law enforcement officer, citizen or organization to nominate for a Back the Blue Award? If so, click here for more information.

By supporting those who wear a badge and risk their safety for ours, we will build a Stronger, Safer Florida.