In the News

By Lindsey Ward
February 9, 2012
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HILLSVILLE, VA -- A heroic local state trooper talks to 10 On Your Side about his latest honor.

Back in January of 2010, Trooper Matthew Cochran, a Carroll County Sheriff's deputy, and a Hillsville Police Officer went beyond the call of duty helping rescue seniors from a fire at their Hillsville apartment complex.

In October of 2010 Parade Magazine featured Trooper Cochran’s story.  He was also named National Policeman of the Year for 2010.

In January of 2012, Trooper Cochran received the Congressional Badge of Bravery.

Throughout all of the attention he's received Cochran has remained humble.

I spoke with Trooper Cochran at the site of his heroic rescue, where he pulled Ms. Bowman from a burning building.

“We could hear a lady screaming inside.  And myself and Deputy Lyons both went in several times, and I think on my third going in, is when I found Ms. Bowman and got her out,” Trooper Cochran explained.

That night was more than two years ago and Briar Leigh Court Apartments has since been rebuilt.  A lot of time has passed, but recognition continues for Trooper Cochran.

“I was incredibly honored," said Cochran about receiving the Congressional Badge of Bravery.   "It was a unique experience, and more than likely something I won't get to experience again.  But I had a great time.”

Trooper Cochran snapped a picture with Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-9th) while holding the award last month.  Rep. Griffith says the young man is more than deserving of the first time award.

“He goes in and he gets [Ms. Bowman] out, and just after they get out the roof collapses.  There's no question without his action many more would have been put into greater danger and that lady would probably be dead,” Rep. Griffith said.

The 9th District Congressman from Salem added that Trooper Cochran went beyond the call of duty.

That's something the law enforcement officer would politely disagree with.

He says of all the awards he's received the Congressional Badge of Bravery is his proudest.

“I never knew police officers got awards for doing this type of thing.  I just always assumed it was a part of our job, and what we were expected to do,” Cochran said.

Ms. Bowman has already thanked Cochran for saving her life.