Off-Duty Deputy, EMT Saved A Life In Paulding Crash

DALLAS, GA — Paulding County sheriff's Dep. Chris Stafford and emergency medical technician Hunter Cunningham had never met on July 28, when they both happened upon a fiery crash on Ga. 101.

But moments later, they would work together, risking their own safety to save a life.

On Tuesday, Stafford and Cunningham were honored by Sheriff Gary Gulledge at a meeting of the Paulding County Board of Commissioners. Stafford received the county's Medal of Merit and Cunningham was given the Citizens Commendation Award.

In July, Stafford was driving on Ga. 101 near Bud Cole Road when he saw a traffic jam he assumed was caused by a wreck. He drove up to the scene and found a trailer full of hay engulfed in flames.

There, he came upon Cunningham — who also had been off duty — trying to help an injured man who had been riding a motorcycle. The motorcycle had hit the trailer, causing the fire.

As a crowd looked on, Stafford and Cunningham shielded the motorcyclist from flames which caused the tires on the trailer to explode. They didn't want to move the victim due to what they believed was a serious back and neck injury.

As they, themselves, were burned by the flames, the two men held a shirt over the face and body of the motorcyclist to keep him from inhaling smoke and being burned. Eventually, EMS and firefighters arrived to stabilize the patient and put out the fire.

The motorcyclist was taken to an Atlanta area hospital and medical professionals would say that if it weren't for Stafford and Cunningham, the man probably would have died.

"Men like Chris and Hunter don’t come along everyday," Gulledge said. "They are heroes and should be recognized as such.

"I am fortunate that Chris is one of my deputies and that he is willing to spring into action any time he is needed. God bless these men and the life that they saved in the face of adversity on that day in July."

Photos courtesy Paulding County Sheriff's Office