A Kentucky State Police Trooper has become the first verified case of a law enforcement officer who survived a gunshot wound, thanks to a safety grant from the Spirit of Blue Foundation.
On June 11, 2019, Kentucky State Police Trooper Brad Martin was taking part in serving a warrant in Perry County when he was fired upon and struck in the thigh. Other troopers with him quickly got him to cover, applied a tourniquet and rushed him to a local medical center for treatment.
The tourniquet, now part of each Kentucky State Police trooper’s uniform, had been issued to each trooper just months before as a result of the Spirit of Blue grant.
The Combat Application Tourniquet from North American Rescue, carried in a RIGID Tourniquet Case with High Gloss finish from Eleven-10, was issued to every Trooper and Officer with Kentucky State Police in September 2018. The grant was made possible by sustaining sponsor Law Enforcement United, which has contributed to Spirit of Blue’s safety grant program since 2016.
Brenda Tiffany, mother of KSP Trooper Cameron Ponder who was lost in the line of duty in September 2015, advocated for the tourniquet grant and was instrumental in its being awarded. “Since the day I lost my son, I have looked for ways to help protect his brothers in Gray,” Tiffany said. “I had no idea how those efforts were going to impact someone so close to Cameron.”
Martin graduated with the Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 92 in January 2015 and was a roommate with Trooper Ponder during their time at the academy. Out of that cadet class there have been two troopers lost in the line of duty – Trooper Eric Chrisman and Trooper Cameron Ponder. Trooper Martin nearly became the third.
According to Spirit of Blue, Trooper Dan Smoot assessed the wound while Trooper Josh Richardson applied the granted tourniquet. Trooper Chad Daniels helped the other two carry Martin to the patrol car used to transport Martin to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Treatment Center. The quick and professional action of these three troopers ensured Martin survived the encounter.
Martin made a full recovery and returned to duty weeks later, crediting his survival to the tourniquet that was applied.
“By the grace of God, I am still here today,” Martin said. “The prompt application of the tourniquet and quick action by my fellow troopers played a major part in limiting the extent of my injury and my ability to recover.”
The Spirit of Blue Foundation encourages the general public to honor and appreciate law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities. By supporting the Spirit of Blue Foundation, the public can make an impact in the lives of law enforcement officers every day. To learn more about the Spirit of Blue, or to become an annual member, visit www.spiritofblue.org.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
