Two Cornelia police officers have received national recognition for saving a woman’s life.
On December 28, 2022, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers Joey Newkirk and Jonathan Hughes responded to a welfare check call. The call resulted in the officers going to a local hotel where they found an elderly woman who had made comments to her family that, with the recent death of her husband, she didn’t feel like she could live anymore and attempted to commit suicide.
According to Cornelia Police Chief Jonathan Roberts, officers Newkirk and Hughes used their tourniquets and training to stop the bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. They were able to get the woman out of the bathtub, render aid, and get medical personnel on the scene.
‘Truly amazing’
Chief Roberts nominated the officers for the National Law Enforcement Life Saving Awards. The Award Council voted to recognize the officers. Chief Roberts presented their awards to them during the February 8 Cornelia City Commission meeting.
“Watching the body camera, how they interacted with her and assured her there were people here that loved her and wanted her to stick around, was just truly amazing,” Chief Roberts said while presenting the awards.
Roberts reported to the commission that they had been in contact with the family, and she has recovered from her injuries and is receiving counseling, and is doing very well.
“She is very grateful for the actions of these two officers,” he said.
After the awards presentation, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow said, “Gentlemen, that’s almost enough to bring tears to your eyes. Those of us with parents – it’s impressive.”
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If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential 24/7 phone and chat line that connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors across the United States.
