A Massac County Sheriff's deputy and an Illinois Department of Transportation worker were honored by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police for their heroic actions last May.
IDOT employee Steve Miller had located a man along I-24 with a medical issue. Deputy Summer Dixon responded to the call for assistance. As the two spoke with the man, the man suddenly threw himself over the railing of the bridge.
Dixon and Miller grabbed the man as he went over the side. They held on to keep him from dropping to the ground below, and eventually wrestled him back onto the bridge deck.
Dixon was given the FOP's Life Saving Award for her actions, while Miller was given the Back the Blue Award, which is the highest civilian honor the FOP bestows.
FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood said, "The quick and decisive actions of Deputy Summer Dixon and IDOT worker Steve Miller helped to save a man from jumping off of a bridge. They put the welfare of a fellow citizen before their own safety, and their brave and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the man's life."
(Image captured from dashcam video posted on the Massac County Sheriff's Office Facebook page)
