During tonight’s Cumberland County Commission meeting, Sheriff Casey Cox presented a deputy with a Life Saving Award.

On Monday, July 21, 2023, Deputy Devyn Templeton responded to a traffic crash near mile marker 329 on Interstate 40 in Crab Orchard.

According to reports, a vehicle was over an embankment and on fire.

Deputy Templeton responded immediately. After arriving at the scene, he learned a mother and child were trapped inside the burning vehicle.

In an exceptional act of bravery and selflessness, Deputy Templeton entered the burning vehicle and rescued a child trapped in the rear passenger seat.

After ensuring the child was safe, Deputy Templeton returned to the burning vehicle, entered it a second time at high risk to his own safety, and rescued the child’s mother, who was incapacitated. Deputy Templeton cut their safety belts to extract the mother and child from the vehicle.

Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox said on that day, Deputy Templeton demonstrated an unwavering dedication to duty and extraordinary courage despite the imminent danger involved. Undoubtedly, his remarkable presence of mind, quick thinking, incredible bravery, decisiveness, professionalism, and a complete disregard for his personal safety permitted him to save the lives of these two individuals.

“Deputy Templeton’s selflessness and determination are a testament to his character and dedication to the citizens of Cumberland County,” said Sheriff Cox. “He exemplifies the values and principles of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. He is an inspiration to others.”