Royston Police Officer Credited With Saving Woman From House Fire

A Royston Police Officer is being credited with saving the life of a woman trapped inside a burning house.

Early Wednesday morning, at about 2:30 a.m., a fire broke out at a home on Grove St. in Royston.

According to Royston Police Chief Brooks Moorhead, Ptl. Elizabeth Eddy was among the first on the scene.

Chief Moorhead said Firefighter West Bennett with the Royston Fire Department arrived on the scene as they were exiting and further assisted Eddy as well as the woman.

A second person was also in the house when the fire started but was able to get out safely.

Both occupants were treated at the scene and then taken by EMS to a local medical center for further treatment.

Ptl Eddy’s co-worker, Ptl. Josh Fowler, wrote up a statement for Chief Moorhead regarding Ptl Eddy’s bravery.

“Patrolman Eddy remained inside the burning structure for over a minute while battling the extreme heat, heavy smoke, and other hazards associated with the fire,” Fower wrote. “In my 22 years of law enforcement experience, I have rarely witnessed such an act of bravery. Oficer Eddy displayed extraordinary courage and heroism by placing herself in immediate danger to save another person’s life.”

“Patrolman Elizabeth Eddy went above and beyond her duties, placing herself in grave danger to save a Royston resident. We are blessed to have her as a member of this department. She sets the bar high for us all,” Moorhead added. “I am recommending Ptl. Eddy for the Royston Police Department’s ‘Life Saving with Valor’ award.”

The award is bestowed on officers or civilian employees who, with total disregard for their personal safety, saved or attempted to save the life of another.

“I can’t think of a better example of that than what Ptl. Eddy did early Wednesday morning,” the Chief said.

He added that the state Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the causes of the fire, and details will be released as they become available.

Agencies responding to the house fire included:

• Royston Fire Department
• Royston Police Department
• Franklin Springs Fire Department
• Hart County Fire Department,
Stations 3 and 8
• Franklin County EMS
• Royston City Water Department
• Royston City Gas Department