Honoring Deputy Christopher Mullins - September 2006 |
On Saturday, July 8, 2006, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Deputy Christopher Mullins had just left the Inmate Processing Center at 1201 Commerce, when he observed a vehicle plunge into Buffalo Bayou near the intersection of Commerce and Milam. The vehicle came to rest upside down in the bayou, and Deputy Mullins immediately notified dispatch of the incident. As Deputy Mullins ran down the embankment towards the water, he observed three females standing in the water near the vehicle screaming hysterically. The women informed Deputy Mullins that a fourth person was still inside the vehicle. Without regard for his own safety, Deputy Mullins jumped into the water and attempted to open the vehicle’s door. After several unsuccessful attempts, Deputy Mullins was forced to resurface briefly for air. Deputy Mullins refused to give up, and soon managed to pry open the vehicle’s door. Deputy Mullins entered the submerged vehicle and began feeling around for the victim as there was no visibility inside the vehicle. Underwater and unable to see, Deputy Mullins located the unconscious woman, but he was initially unable to free her from her seatbelt. After resurfacing again for air, Deputy Mullins reentered the vehicle, and finally pulled the woman onto the embankment. The woman had been submerged for approximately four minutes and was not breathing. Deputy Mullins administered stomach thrusts to the woman for several minutes, and she soon coughed a large quantity of water from her lungs and began breathing on her own. Thanks to the heroic and relentless action of Deputy Mullins, the victim survived the accident; however, she later succumbed to an infection. By risking his own life to save the life of another, Deputy Mullins exhibited the highest ideals of law enforcement, and demonstrated a commitment to duty that greatly exceeds expectations. He is commended for his quick actions that date, and has proven himself an asset to both the Sheriff’s Office and the community he serves. TOMMY THOMAS, SHERIFF |
