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East Prairie man honored for bravery
EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — An East Prairie man who helped save a woman in the midst of a dog attack has been recognized by the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office for his bravery and quick action.
Cody R. Hampton of East Prairie was recently presented with the Brave Neighbor Award by the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office in Charleston, Missouri.
Detective Sgt. John Blakely with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office wrote a letter of recommendation to Mississippi County Sheriff Britton H. Ferrell to formally recognize and commend Hampton for his exemplary and life-saving actions on April 15. Blakely told the sheriff he thought Hampton deserved some type of recognition for his quick-thinking that ultimately saved a woman’s life.
“At approximately 1:34 p.m. April 15, I was dispatched to the area of the 1200 block of Mississippi County Road 430 in response to reports of a dog attack involving an injured female,” Blakely wrote in his his recommendation letter. “Upon my arrival, EMS personnel were already on the scene, and a witness directed me toward South Mallard Lane, where a large white and brown pit bull was involved in the attack.”
During the course of his investigation, Blakely said the dog’s owner was apprehended and subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine and animal neglect. However, Blakely said, it was the swift and courageous actions of Hampton that made a significant difference in the life-threatening situation.
“Mr. Hampton, who was in the vicinity making a delivery, witnessed the vicious attack,” Blakely said. “Without hesitation, he intervened by attempting to pull the victim away from the dog, despite the inherent danger to himself. Demonstrating remarkable bravery, Mr. Hampton had to kick the dog several times before it released its grip on the victim.”
Recognizing the severity of the victim’s injuries, particularly a heavily bleeding wound on her left arm, Hampton quickly took decisive action to prevent further blood loss, Blakely said. Utilizing his belt, he ingeniously applied a tourniquet above the wound, effectively stopping the bleeding and potentially saving the victim’s life, Blakely said in his letter.
“Additionally, Mr. Hampton identified that the victim had sustained other serious injuries to her inner thighs and right arm, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation,” Blakely said.
The 47-year-old female victim was subsequently transported to a trauma center in St. Louis for further medical treatment.
“It is without doubt that Mr. Hampton’s quick thinking and courageous intervention were instrumental in preventing a potential fatality,” Blakely said. “In light of his heroism and selflessness, I believe Mr. Hampton deserves significant recognition for his actions. His bravery, quick-thinking and willingness to help in a perilous situation exemplify the highest standards of community spirit and personal responsibility.”