Heroic Officer Recognized For Life Saving Efforts
By Tom Jackson, Former Texas SAR President
Deputy Richard Holland with the Harris County Constables Office, Pct. 4 was honored with the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Honor at the monthly chamber luncheon held at the Berry Center with Chamber President Leslie Martone making the presentation on behalf of the Chamber. The table sponsor was HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress. Deputy Holland received his award with his wife present, along with Captain Charles Hoover, Lieutenant Lance Rogers and Corporal Brittney Buchkar in attendance. Representing the Robert Rankin Chapter, Allan Perkins presented Deputy Holland with the National Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Life Saving Medal and Certificate, which is presented to those individuals who have acted to save a human life. The commendation, read by Captain Hoover, contained in part the following description.
While off duty, Deputy Richard Holland was driving home when he came across a major accident in the 10084 block of the Katy Freeway outbound. Deputy Holland stopped and began checking on injured persons and attempting to begin shutting down the roadway. When Houston Police Department officers arrived on scene Deputy Richard Holland gave Officer Shaffer an update of two Harris County Sheriff Deputies who were ejected from their vehicle due to the crash. The officer grabbed his med kit and followed Deputy Holland to the Deputy who appeared to be in the most critical condition. Officer Shaffer and Deputy Holland identified where the bleeding was coming from on the Sheriff's Deputy's head and applied QuickClot gauze to stop the bleeding. Officer Shaffer and Deputy Holland then realized the critically injured deputy was bleeding profusely from his left hand. Officer Shaffer continued to apply pressure with his QuickClot gauze and handed Deputy Holland a tourniquet which Deputy Holland applied to the injured deputy's left arm. Because of the quick and intelligent actions of Officer Shaffer and Deputy Holland, it is believed they saved this Deputy's life.
From what was described by an on-scene supervisor, Sergeant J. Kaber, Deputy R. Holland maintained a calm and professional composure in a chaotic situation enabling him to assist in saving the Harris County Sheriff Deputy's life.
The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly luncheon where First Responders are highlighted for their contributions to the community. For several years the SAR Robert Rankin Chapter Public Service Committee, chaired by Tom Jackson with assistance from Mr. Perkins, has presented the monthly honoree with one of the National SAR Public Service Medals and Certificates: Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMS, Life Saving or Heroism. In addition to the Life Saving Medal, Deputy Holland, along with Capt Hoover, Lt Rogers and Corp Buchkar, received a Certificate of Appreciation for Covid Heroic Service from the Rankin Chapter presented by Mr. Perkins and CFISD Trustee Julie Hinaman.
Photo L to R: CFISD Board Member Julie Hinaman, Lt. Lance Rogers, Honoree Dep. Richard Holland and his wife, Capt. Charles Hoover, Corp. Brittney Buchkar, and Robert Rankin Chapter member Allan Perkins. Photo Credit: Genesis Photographers.
