I post this because I want everyone to know there are still great people our there.
To whom it may concern:
My name
is Pastor BJ Sanders and I am writing this letter as a form of commendation for
Sergeant Bryan J Cook, whose actions and willingness to go above and beyond the
call of duty provided my church group with great comfort, if not also
preventing more tragic circumstances.
On
Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, a group of 6 individuals from Torch
Community Church were on our way to New York to volunteer in recovery efforts
for the Hurricane Sandy Relief. We were around 30 miles west of Columbus, OH
traveling in our Chevy Suburban on I-70 headed westbound. Around 2:00pm, I had
the unfortunate privilege of being behind the wheel when our rear right tire
unexpectedly blew out. After pulling onto the shoulder, we realized that not
only was the tire blown, but in the explosion, it had also severed a coolant
hose that passed through the wheel well. We began unpacking the stacked luggage
from the back compartment and placing it in the grass in order to find the
spare tire and jack.
The
entire time, safety was a major concern. There was little shoulder room for a
large vehicle like ours, especially with the right side having to be jacked up.
Tractor trailer trucks flew by us causing gusts of wind that made us all very
uneasy. We had one 15 year old boy who we asked to stand well off the road in
case something happened.
Around
only 5 minutes into our situation, we were pleased to see a police car pull up
behind us and turn on his lights. Sergeant Cook stepped out and observed our
situation. He offered some guidance. He then proceeded to set up flares behind
his car for our safety. He advised us on where we could find a repair shop to
look at the severed coolant hose. Then, as we continued struggling with the
jack, he intervened and was able to quickly assist us in jacking the vehicle up
in order to remove the blown tire. He was gracious, kind, and comforting to
have there. Only as some of the other men continued to put the spare on did I
hear the rest of Sergeant Cook’s story, which further impressed me. He did all
this off duty! He was driving east on I-70 on his way home to the Cincinnati
area (where we also are from). He saw our vehicle on the side of the road going
the other direction, and without hesitation, he u-turned to come to our aid.
This confirms for me that Sergeant Cook is truly passionate for the public
safety of the people of Ohio. This is very encouraging for me as a citizen. The
group of 6 individuals owes Sergeant Cook a great deal of gratitude for his
actions. Because of his willingness to help, we were able to quickly and SAFELY
get back on the road. We made it in to New York that night and experienced an
incredible week paying it forward as we helped those affected by Hurricane
Sandy.
Sergeant
Cook deserves due recognition for his actions, and he deserves my deepest
heartfelt Thank You.
Pastor BJ Sanders
Torch Community
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