Trooper to receive awards for heroic action

Fayetteville, N.C. — A state trooper who saved a woman from a submerged vehicle was scheduled to get awards Thursday from the Highway Patrol and its parent agency.

On Oct. 14, 2008, two citizens stopped Trooper R. E. Cannaday and told him that a vehicle was overturned in a creek off Titan Roberts Road in Lillington and a woman was submerged under water.

Cannaday went into the creek, opened the vehicle’s back door and lifted the woman’s head out of the water. He continued to render aid until EMS arrived, according to the Highway Patrol.

“Trooper Cannaday demonstrated good judgment by helping a lady trapped in a vehicle underwater. This level of service exemplifies what it means to be a state trooper – to serve others,” Highway Patrol Commander. Col. Walter Wilson Jr. said in a news release.

Wilson will present Cannaday with the patrol’s Samaritan Award.

Reuben Young, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety, will present Cannaday with a Commendation Award. It is the department’s second-highest award for heroism and is presented to employees whose actions prevent injury or death.

The award ceremony will be held at 1:15 p.m. at Troop B Headquarters, 2435 Gillespie St., Fayetteville.

23 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 23 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments.

Latest Comments

Exactly what I thought you would say and of course once again, no answer. Good job

leo-nc
February 13, 2009 4:06 p.m.

leo-nc: A real "hero" doesn't toot his own horn, looking for recognition. A real hero does what is right. This guy was just doing the job that WE AS TAXPAYERS pay him for.

ignc73
February 12, 2009 9:37 p.m.

"Big deal. He did his job. What does he get a medal for, because he had to get wet? Give me a break!"----

Care to tell us what you do for a living? Do you even have a job? I've asked you before but I don't expect an answer. Ever risked your life for someone else? Probably not. You're the type that would stand there watching someone in need die, then complain about the people who DO make a sacrifice for others.

leo-nc
February 12, 2009 8:20 p.m.

GREAT JOB Troooper Cannaday. These are the things that Law Enforcement Officers do EVERYDAY of the year. Jeopardize their own life to save others is what they do, it's what they are and it's a calling not a job! Thanks, Retired LEO.