In the News

January 24, 2012
WSLS Staff Reports
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CARROLL COUNTY, VA -- A Carroll County based State Trooper receives another national honor for his heroism during a January 2010 fire at a senior living apartment complex.

9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Salem), along with Senators Mark Warner (D) and Jim Webb (D) presented Trooper S. Matthew Cochran with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery today (Monday).

Cochran, along with Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy William Lyons, and Hillsville Police Office Ricky Hayes each responded to an early morning fire at a Hillsville apartment complex on January 9, 2010.  The three men banged on doors to wake up residents.

During the evacuation, Cochran heard screams for help.  He went inside the burning building, without protective gear, crawled on his hands and knees, found a woman, and carried her out to safety.

Thanks to the officers' efforts, all 37 people made it out of the apartments safely.

"The Congressional Badge of Bravery recognizes Trooper Cochran's heroic actions, which exemplify the definition of bravery," said Congressman Griffith in a news release. "Law enforcement officers are on the front lines every day, risking their own wellbeing for our safety.  I commend Trooper Cochran for his bravery in the face of danger and thank all law enforcement officers throughout the Ninth District and nationwide for their commitment to serving and protecting our communities."

"The Congressional Badge of Bravery provides proper recognition for those law enforcement officers who have risked their lives in the line of duty," said Senator Webb in the news release. "Trooper Cochran's actions serve as an example of the dedicated service of those entrusted with protecting the communities and citizens of our Commonwealth."

"Every day, thousands of Virginia law enforcement officers like Trooper Cochran place their lives on the line in order to keep us safe," said Senator Warner in the news release. "They perform these duties with courage and honor. But few are summoned to provide the remarkable degree of unselfish, life-saving bravery that was demonstrated by Trooper Cochran, and I join all Virginians in saluting his courage and commitment."

Cochran previously received the 2010 lifesaving award from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation.  He was also featured in Parade magazine as National Policeman of the Year in October of 2010.

Hayes, Lyons, and Cochran each received a meritorius service medal from Governor Bob McDonnell and the Virginia Public Safety Foundation in September of 2011.