Ellis receives Certificate of Service from Elizabethton Chief of Police Shaw
Published 4:38 pm Thursday, October 31, 2024
- Photo Contributed Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw presents Jarrod Ellis with a Certificate of Service at a recent Kiwanis meeting for Ellis’ assistance in helping elderly residents reach safety during the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
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Star Correspondent
During the flooding from Hurricane Helene, several people stepped up and placed themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of others.
On Tuesday, at the Elizabethton Kiwanis Club, Elizabethton Chief of Police Jason Shaw recognized one such citizen who ran toward danger instead of away from it.
The Elizabethton Police Department has an awards program to recognize officers or others who are not employees of the department but provide valuable assistance to its officers.
Jarrod Ellis, the Carter County Register of Deeds, received a Certificate of Service based on actions witnessed by Sgt. Douglas Combs, who saw Ellis assisting officers during the flood and nominated him for the award.
Combs’ letter read as follows:
“Chief Shaw,
On Sept. 27, 2024, the City of Elizabethton was hit by a devastating flood caused by Hurricane Helene. This flood caused millions of dollars in property damage and put many lives in danger.
“Many areas of our city were underwater with residents still in their homes. Officers were out in the floodwaters rescuing individuals and bringing them to safe locations.
“During this time, I responded to the area of Locust Street to help evacuate residents. Floodwaters were knee-deep and rising as officers escorted residents to safety from apartments near the river.
“Jarrod Ellis was already there, wading through the floodwater and helping elderly residents to safety. Mr. Ellis went back through the current multiple times with officers and brought several residents out of harm’s way.
“Mr. Ellis disregarded his own safety to ensure these elderly individuals were brought to a safe location. His actions were captured on my body-worn camera. Due to Mr. Ellis’ heroic acts during this life-threatening emergency, I recommend he be awarded the Certificate of Service by the Elizabethton Police Department.”
Chief Shaw noted that EPD supervisors are still reviewing body camera footage to nominate officers for awards.
“We have officers who performed courageous acts that day, many of which were not caught on camera because officers had to shed their vests and most of their equipment when they were in the water,” Shaw said.
