Three Cookeville Police Officers Recognized For Heroic Acts

Three Cookeville police officers were recognized at a city council meeting Thursday night for heroic acts while performing their duties.

Officers Wesley King and Caleb Rubel received Medals for Life-Saving for saving the life of a man who had been shot multiple times. Chief Randy Evans said that the two were called to the October incident on Freedom Drive where they gave emergency life-saving aid to the individual, including applying tourniquets and emergency trauma dressings to his leg.

“And I would submit to you that without their actions, quite potentially this young man would have lost his life this day,” Evans said. “But we’re proud to report that the victim in this shooting has somewhat recovered.”

Officer David Baker was awarded a Medal of Valor for rescuing a man from a burning car in September. Evans said that Officer Baker was the first Cookeville PD officer to arrive on the scene of a motor vehicle crash on 9th Street. He said that Baker cut off the seatbelt of the unconscious individual and rescued him from the vehicle.

Evans said that after assessment by Baker and EMS personnel on the scene, it was determined the individual was also experiencing an overdose. He said that Baker gave the individual two doses of Naloxone, and the individual regained consciousness.

“And again due to his actions, putting his own life at risk, again staying calm, and again relying on his training under this high-stress situation, that gentleman is alive today,” Evans said.

Evans said that Baker will also receive a medal for life-saving once it is purchased and arrives.