Police officers honored for rescuing man who lost his leg in gardening accident

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DARBY BOROUGH, Pa. (KYW) — Two Delaware County police officers are being honored for their bravery in saving a man’s life after he was seriously injured in a landscaping accident.

Darby police officers Terrell Lee and Shain McCaughey rushed to the scene after receiving a 911 call reporting a man had been injured while operating a stump grinder. It happened June 19 in the backyard of a Greenway Avenue home that was undergoing renovations.

“He (the victim) was attempting to remove some debris from the front of the chipper,” Officer Lee said. Officer McCaughey added, “Unfortunately, a piece of his clothing appeared to have been sucked into the machine.”

The man’s leg was severed. His colleague begged for help. The officers knew that time was of the essence.

“The man was in severe shock,” Officer McCaughey said. “We tried to keep him as calm as possible and make sure he remained conscious.”

This is where their training came in. Officer Lee applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding while Officer McCaughey bandaged the man’s leg.

“When paramedics arrived, we gave them control of the scene,” Officer McCaughey said.

Paramedics took the man to the hospital. Doctors said without the quick intervention of Officers McCaughey and Lee, the victim would have died from blood loss.

On Wednesday, the Darby Mayor and City Council presented both officers with an award and a pin for their bravery.

“It’s a nice gesture,” Officer Lee said. “We really appreciate it, but that’s not why we came here. We’re here to serve and protect.”

Officials said the greatest reward is making a difference in the community.

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