Off Duty Sheriffs Sgt. Gay was instrumental in saving the life of an accident victim in Elma after a vehicle pinned the victim between two cars.  Sgt. Gay ended up removing the driver from his vehicle and freed the victim. He applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg with a belt.  His actions have earned him the Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Service Medal and that will be awarded on August 28th at 3:00 PM in the large commissioners meeting room in Montesano according to the Grays Harbor Sheriffs Under Sheriff Brad Johannson. 

This is the award is result of Sgt. Gay’s action when he was off duty and witnessed a traffic collision in the city of Elma. An elderly male struck a parked car with his vehicle pinning the victim between two vehicles. The victim sustained a compound fracture on one leg that was bleeding profusely. His other leg was broken as well.

Sgt. Gay ended up removing the driver from his vehicle and freed the victim. He applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg with a belt. Sgt. Gay enlisted the help of a citizen Babette Brinkley and two Elma Public works employees Rick Green and Larry Holcomb to help administer first aid.

Elma PD Chief Shultz will be recognizing Officer Goffena, Babette Brinkley, Rick Green and Larry Holcomb for their actions on that day as well.

Originally the doctors feared the victim's leg may have to be amputated. They were able to repair the injury and he is recovering. He will be present for the awards ceremony to show his appreciation. The ceremony is open to the public and you are welcome to attend.