TO COMMEND AND SALUTE DEPUTY MICHAEL HUBBARD OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY FOR THE LIFE-SAVING ACTIONS HE DISPLAYED ON APRIL 13, 2015, IN A CRISIS INTERVENTION AND RESCUE.
Whereas, on April 13, 2015, Deputy Michael Hubbard of Spartanburg County didn't think twice when he approached a woman sitting on the ledge of a bridge over Interstate 26. He just wanted to get her away from there; and
Whereas, this Marine Corps veteran, who has served with the Sheriff's Office for three years as a patrol deputy, was responding to a call for a person who reportedly was sitting on a bridge. Having previously completed a training session that focused on dealing with people with mental illnesses and crisis intervention, Deputy Hubbard was ready to handle the situation; and
Whereas, believing that quick action is a better tactic than negotiating, he pulled the victim off the overpass on New Cut Road as she was attempting to commit suicide. A dramatic dash-camera video shows him stopping his vehicle in front of her, walking behind her, and putting his arms around her to bring her off the ledge. He carried her back to his patrol car as she was kicking and screaming. She eventually was transported to the hospital to receive a medical evaluation; and
Whereas, it wasn't Deputy Hubbard's first time stopping someone from attempting suicide. Last year, he rescued another person attempting to jump from a bridge on Highway 9; and
Whereas, on May 6, 2015, he was honored by the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center during a Sheriff's Office staff meeting for his successful rescue attempt; and
Whereas, due to Deputy Michael Hubbard's calm and courageous efforts, the life of this individual was saved. The House takes great pleasure in recognizing this young law enforcement officer's invaluable contributions to the protection and safety of South Carolina's citizens. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend and salute Deputy Michael Hubbard of Spartanburg County for the life-saving actions he displayed on April 13, 2015, in a crisis intervention and rescue.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Deputy Michael Hubbard.