Lake Lure Officer Lee Edwards is presented Region C Award
During the earlier months of 2015 Lake Lure Police Department had received numerous calls out to an individual who was suffering from PTSD. The veteran was dealing with several personal battles which brought on violent rages. During these rages LLPD was summoned to the home for disturbance calls. Of great concern to the officers was the fact that the individual owned several weapons.
In June of 2015 the police department received a call from the veteran’s girlfriend and her family stating that they were on their way to the home to retrieve her belongings. Knowing that this would set the individual into a rage they asked the police to assist.
There were off-duty officers at the station due to a community event that had just transpired. Chief Humphries called in the officers that were working that day and with concern, off-duty officers joined in. After a briefing it was brought to light that Officer Lee Edwards had in the past few months spent time with the individual. Officer Edwards himself was a veteran of Desert Storm and had been in the front of the battle. He knew he had something in common with the individual and visited his home several times.
The officers felt it best that they go to the veteran’s home prior to the girlfriend’s family. Officer Edwards, who was off-duty, did not hesitate to help. Officer Edwards and Corporal Umphlett went to the young man’s home and Officer Edwards encouraged him to speak with the mobile crisis unit that had been summoned to the area surrounding the home. Officer Edwards was also able to convince the man to relinquish all weapons to the department for safe keeping. This was safely handled with Officer Edwards assistance and true care and concern for the veteran.
Recently, the veteran called our department and stated he had moved to another state. He also wanted to let Officer Edwards know how greatly he had influenced his life and decisions. He credited Officer Edwards in saving his life that day.
In the silence of time, Officer Edwards true concern for a brother vet, became the victory in a battle.
Officer Edwards was presented the prestigious Region C Award on September 22, 2015 for his going above and beyond in a time of need.
