Matthews police officer recognized for life-saving actions

 

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department honored Officer Parker Justice with the Medal of Valor for his “quick thinking and actions” responding to a vehicle crash Feb. 6, according to Maj. Roy Sisk. 

Sisk explained during the March 11 town commissioners meeting how a motorist approached Justice at the intersection of Independence Boulevard and Matthews-Mint Hill Road about a vehicle crash nearby.

Justice sprang to action, discovering three vehicles were involved. 

“He was quickly met with the realization that one of the involved vehicles had flames within its engine compartment, which were rising above its roof,” Sisk recounted. “Without hesitation, he ran toward the flaming vehicle to check for occupants and he heard people yelling that there might be a child inside the car.”

Justice saw a child safety seat in the rear of the car and ensured through smoke there wasn’t a child trapped inside. He then pried open a damaged car door to help the unconscious driver. 

“As flames were beginning to enter the passenger area of the vehicle, Officer Justice was able to remove the driver’s seat belt and pull them from the burning vehicle,” Sisk said. 

Someone helped Justice move the driver safely away from the burning car. The driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital. 

“A witness to this chaotic event describes the actions of Officer Justice as nothing short of superhuman and heroic,” Sisk said. “It is true that officers are trained in a variety of events but there’s no way to replicate the stress and severity of this real-world situation. The actions taken by Officer Justice are a testament to his personal courage and selflessness.”

The Matthews Police Department hired Justice, a graduate of Butler High School, in July 2023 to work in its patrol division. 

 

Mayor credits Sisk for leadership

Mayor John Higdon acknowledged Maj. Roy Sistk’s service as interim chief of the Matthews Police Department, saying he did an outstanding job. Sisk has been with the department since 2003.

 

The Charlotte Weekly