CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State Trooper Vincent Meaker was honored for his heroic actions that prevented the death of a Fort Campbell soldier on March 18.
Trooper Meaker was leaving the I-24 Welcome Center when he observed a vehicle that was driving at a speed of 106 mph on I-24 on Feb. 29. The vehicle then crashed and burst into flames.
The solider driving the vehicle was unable to kick the door open to get out of the vehicle.
Trooper Meaker placed the needs of the driver above his own as he pulled the driver out of the vehicle. Meaker’s heroic actions saved the soldier’s life.
When asked what was going through his mind as he was saving the solider Trooper Meaker said, “I just wanted to get him out of there and I wasn’t concerned about my safety.”
The U.S. Army extended their appreciation to Trooper Meaker for going above and beyond the call of duty. Army Officials and other State Troopers surprised him with the award at Tennessee Highway Patrol office in Clarksville.
Trooper Meaker closed by saying, “I think I did what any other state trooper would have done and I’m glad the outcome was good.”