Police Officer of the Month

From City Manager Report:

Chief Greg Schwarber has announced the Officer of the month for March 2009 is Officer Terry Ballinger. This is a peer recognition initiative designed to bring attention to excellent work our Officers are performing. There were 5 officers nominated for the month of March. Ballinger was nominated and selected on the basis of an incident that happened 02-27-09.

On 02-27-09, at approximately 0327 hours, Officer Ballinger responded to a house fire at 1304 Girard St.  There were visible flames in the northwest 2nd story of the house. Officer Ballinger assisted getting an elderly wheelchair bound female from 2nd floor of the house. The female suffered severe burns to the lower portion of her body. Officer Ballinger then heard what he believed was a cry for help coming the 2nd floor of the residence. Without hesitation, Officer Ballinger went upstairs into the fire and smoke to attempt to rescue the subject.  Officer Ballinger, at one point, was crawling on his stomach looking into rooms attempting to locate the individual.  Officer Ballinger eventually was driven back by the smoke and fire and had to retreat. The rescue effort was turned over to responding firefighters who immediately went in looking for any trapped subjects. The subject from the 2nd floor was able to retreat down a backstairs attached to the residence. All subjects got out of the residence safely.  Officer Ballinger showed great courage and determination by placing himself in harms way to save another citizens life.  Officer Ballinger said he was just doing to his job. Officer Ballinger displayed great valor in his actions this night.

Officer Ballinger has been with the Middletown Division of Police for almost 2 years. He enjoys camping and spending time with his family.