Okmulgee Cop Recognized For Rescuing Person From Being Hit By Train

The Okmulgee Police Department has awarded the Medal of Valor to one of its own for risking his life to rescue a person in August. 

On August 19, 2015, at 12:03 a.m., Sgt. Jerome Gresham and other officers were dispatched to the railroad tracks at a location in Okmulgee after receiving a call about a suicidal person, according to OPD.

While they were on the scene, the officers noticed a train approaching their location and they quickly searched the area and located the person, police said. 

"As the train got closer, the suicidal person began screaming he wanted to die and started running toward the train in an effort to take his own life," officers said. "Sgt. Gresham, without regard to his own safety, ran towards the suicidal person and train in order to save the suicidal person’s life. Sgt. Gresham was able to push the suicidal person off of the train tracks and miss being hit by the train by mere inches."

Gresham and the person he rescued were so close to the train that officers on the scene and the train conductor believed they'd been hit, police said. 

Gresham and the person sustained only minor injuries from the fall, according to OPD. 

"Sgt. Gresham’s meritorious service, selflessness, heroism, and bravery is to be commended with the Medal of Valor. Sgt. Gresham went above the call of duty and was able to save a life," the OPD said. "We are grateful to have Sgt. Gresham serving our community and wish to publicly recognize him for his heroism."

Gresham has served on the Okmulgee Police Department for 14 years and had eight years of prior law enforcement experience before joining OPD.

Gresham’s achievements include having an Advanced CLEET certificate and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Langston University.