AL HR351

Officer Byron Thompson of the Huntsville Police Department is nominated for the 2014 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, the state's highest law enforcement award for extraordinary courage.

On July 10, 2013, Officer Thompson responded to an eight-vehicle traffic accident at Memorial Parkway and Airport Road and found a driver trapped in his vehicle.

While attempting to free the trapped driver, the vehicle's engine burst into flames with the driver's legs still pinned under the steering wheel; Officer Thompson continued rescue efforts as the passenger compartment filled with smoke and flames entered through the windshield.

Officer Thompson and a citizen who assisted him successfully removed the driver from the burning vehicle, saving the driver's life.

Officer Thompson received a Lifesaving Medal on August 16, 2013, and was also awarded the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Heroism Medal for this heroic action.