ASHEBORO, NC - Bryan E. Beatty, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety (CC&PS), presented Trooper Gregory Seabolt with the Department's Heroism Award in a ceremony on Thursday, July 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the Randolph Community College, in the Foundation Conference Center.

 “Trooper Seabolt's actions made a difference on March 27th when he rescued a driver that had attempted suicide by jumping into Randleman Lake from an overhead bridge, said Beatty. “He is to be commended for his actions.”

On March 27th, Trooper Seabolt responded to a call of a “suspicious vehicle” that had been abandoned on the Randleman Lake Bridge. Through the Randolph County 911 Center, Trooper Seabolt learned that the diver of the vehicle had threatened suicide earlier that evening. Trooper Seabolt and a Randolph County Deputy were searching the water with their flashlights when they heard a faint voice call for help. They determined that the voice came from the southbound side of the bridge, where they found the driver of the vehicle in the water, clinging to a tree. Trooper Seabolt obtained a rescue rope and life vest from his patrol car and jumped into the icy-cold water. When Trooper Seabolt reached the driver he was exhibiting signs of hypothermic shock. Trooper Seabolt held on to the driver until fellow officers arrived and pulled them back to shore.

“Trooper Seabolt went above and beyond the normal call of duty on this occasion in an attempt to possibly save others. This level of service exemplifies what it means to be a State Trooper—to serve others,” said Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., Highway Patrol Commander.

The Heroism Award is the Department's highest award for heroism. The Heroism Award is presented to employees who risk their lives to help others.