Justin Ross: A Short Story
WOOSTER — When he was dispatched to the scene of a single-vehicle crash, Trooper Justin Ross had no idea he'd have a hand in saving the life of a driver who he found unresponsive from a heroin overdose.
And, he didn't even realize the impact of his own actions until the squad had left the scene and “I had the ability to take a deep breath in and realize what just happened. A short time later, he walked into the emergency room to see the recovered man and have his thoughts confirmed.
“I saw him and his family, and it set it that I did something,” said Ross, adding, “He came up to me and hugged me and said, 'Thanks for saving my life.' It meant a lot to me.”
Cleveland District Capt. Chris Zurcher, on recommendation of Wooster Post Commander Lt. …show more content…
Knowing Justin, it didn't surprise me a bit,” said Norman, who was made aware of Ross' actions after receiving a phone call from the fire department's lieutenant, who was “pretty adamant she wanted somebody to know about his efforts.”
In general, she said, “We're going to do anything we can to keep people safe and alive. It's our responsibility.”
Of the incident, she said, “We charged him and cited him because we know that's how he's going to get the help he needs.”
The 39-year-old Ashland man has since pleaded guilty in Wayne County Municipal Court to operating a vehicle while under the influence. He was fined $600 and he was placed on 18 months of probation, during which time he must participate in counseling. His driver's license also was suspended for 18 months.
“I think a big part of our job is to help the motoring public and keep people safe,” who said he never really considered troopers would have to deal with heroin in the same way local deputies and police officers have had to do. But, “the way heroin is coming, everybody knows it's blown the roof off.”
Of the recognition, Ross said, “It means a lot to have my higher-ups pat me un the back and say kind words. All of our people work very hard. All law enforcement and first responders need a pat on the back every once in a
And, he didn't even realize the impact of his own actions until the squad had left the scene and “I had the ability to take a deep breath in and realize what just happened. A short time later, he walked into the emergency room to see the recovered man and have his thoughts confirmed.
“I saw him and his family, and it set it that I did something,” said Ross, adding, “He came up to me and hugged me and said, 'Thanks for saving my life.' It meant a lot to me.”
Cleveland District Capt. Chris Zurcher, on recommendation of Wooster Post Commander Lt. …show more content…
Knowing Justin, it didn't surprise me a bit,” said Norman, who was made aware of Ross' actions after receiving a phone call from the fire department's lieutenant, who was “pretty adamant she wanted somebody to know about his efforts.”
In general, she said, “We're going to do anything we can to keep people safe and alive. It's our responsibility.”
Of the incident, she said, “We charged him and cited him because we know that's how he's going to get the help he needs.”
The 39-year-old Ashland man has since pleaded guilty in Wayne County Municipal Court to operating a vehicle while under the influence. He was fined $600 and he was placed on 18 months of probation, during which time he must participate in counseling. His driver's license also was suspended for 18 months.
“I think a big part of our job is to help the motoring public and keep people safe,” who said he never really considered troopers would have to deal with heroin in the same way local deputies and police officers have had to do. But, “the way heroin is coming, everybody knows it's blown the roof off.”
Of the recognition, Ross said, “It means a lot to have my higher-ups pat me un the back and say kind words. All of our people work very hard. All law enforcement and first responders need a pat on the back every once in a