Blount County sheriff honors those who contributed to February deputy shooting

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong on Tuesday recognized two people who were caught in the middle of a dangerous officer-involved shooting, but didn't hesitate to help them .

In February, Blount County Sheriff's Office Deputy Greg McCowan was killed and Deputy Shelby Eggers was injured during a traffic stop. During the shooting, Sandra Solomon and Ricky Williams stopped just after McCowan's death and did their best to help the deputies, even providing medical aid to Eggers.

“Putting their own lives in danger, Ms. Solomon and Mr. Williams came to the aid of the deputies. Mr. Williams successfully assisted Deputy Eggers in placing a tourniquet on his injured leg, and Mr. Williams and Ms. Solomon both comforted Deputy Eggers and continued to monitor Deputy McCowan until arrival deputies on scene,” BCSO officials said. “Their actions were beyond valiant: none of the individuals knew the dangers they might face in stopping to help, but they stopped and helped anyway. »

Solomon and Williams were both captured on Eggers' body camera, which showed them trying to stop the deputy's bleeding and helping in any way they could until help arrived.

Both men received the Citizen Service Award.

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