Blue Grass Army Depot guard recognized for life saving actions

By Mark HenrySeptember 26, 2013

BGAD security guard awarded for quick thinking, life saving actions
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Something didn't seem right to Security Guard Jeffrey Davis as he escorted a late-night truck delivery inside the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) on June 28, 2013. Drivers dropping off trailers at nearly midnight isn't unusual, but the actions of the truck's passenger apparently were.

"I've escorted a lot of trucks into the installation's commercial truck dock," said Davis, "and it's normally a very routine procedure by both me and the drivers. But this night, after the driver disconnected the trailer and pulled forward, the passenger, or second driver, walked in between the tractor and the trailer. That's what caught my eye, because that's not what usually happens at that point."

As it turns out, Davis' attention to detail meant all the difference in the world to the husband and wife driver team. The husband stepped in between the truck and trailer to change the trailer's placard, when the wife accidentally lifted her foot off the brake, resulting in the truck slowly rolling backward and sandwiching the passenger between the trailer and the rear of the tractor.

Davis jumped from his patrol vehicle and was able to get the unaware driver to stop and pull forward; in all probability saving his life.

After immobilizing the victim and notifying EMS, Davis later learned that the victim had sustained neck and back fractures.

On September 17, 2013, Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, commander of the Army's Joint Munitions Command at Rock Island, Ill., visited BGAD and recognized Davis' quick, life-saving actions by presenting him with one of the Army's higher awards: The Commander's Award for Civilian Service.

The citation concluded with: "Security Guard Davis' achievements, dedication and exemplary performance are in keeping with the highest traditions of Government Service and reflect great credit upon himself, the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command and the Department of the Army."

"I'm just glad I was at the right place at the right time. The award is very appreciated, but the real satisfaction comes from knowing I made a difference in another person's life," said Davis.

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Blue Grass Army Depot is a U.S. Army Materiel Command strategic mobility platform, providing missile and munitions support to the Joint Warfighter. Blue Grass Army Depot is a multi-functional Class V facility with both regional and national conventional munitions support missions, which it executes through Anniston Munitions Center, Anniston, Ala., and Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, Scranton, Pa.