Palmer Police officers commended for heroism

PALMER — At the Palmer City Council meeting on Nov. 3, two Palmer Police officers were commended for their heroic actions just over one month ago.

“Everybody knows being a Police Officer sometimes requires some perilous and dangerous duties and we’re here tonight to recognize both of these officers for an incident that occurred last month in which they went above and beyond,” said PPD Commander Shane LaCroix.

On Oct. 10, PPD officers Virginia Calvert and Tyler Larimer responded to a vehicle on its side, in the ditch, on fire along Palmer Fishhook Road. Larimer jumped on top of the burning vehicle and assisted a civilian who was attempting to extricate the driver from the burning vehicle. Larimer helped pull the driver out of the vehicle and lowered the driver with the assistance of Calvert. LaCroix awarded both Calvert and Larimer with pins at the council meeting and the small handful of people in attendance for the meeting all stood and applauded the actions of Calvert and Larimer. As LaCroix read through the description of their efforts to save the driver, he began to become emotional as he described his officers actions.

“An occupied burning vehicle is among one of the most serious situations an officer can be called upon to address. The potential for injuries or fatalities is very real. Your quick and decisive actions, despite receiving injuries during the incident, were in keeping with the highest standards of the department and reflect great credit on the Palmer Police Department, the city of Palmer and yourselves,” wrote PPD Chief Dwayne Shelton.