On Monday, May 5, 2008 Douglas Rand and Archie Thomas selflessly placed themselves in the line of danger to save an 18-year police veteran.  Master Patrol Officer Tara Edwards was driving to work when an intoxicated driver plowed into her police cruiser. She suffered a broken wrist, nose, leg and kneecap and was unable to get out of the cruiser on her own.  Douglas Rand and Archie Thomas witnessed the head on collision and immediately ran to aid the severely injured officer. They pried open the door on the mangled patrol car and quickly carried Officer Edwards to safety. Their valiant rescue effort prevented a much more tragic situation.  Minutes after the duo lifted Officer Edwards out of the smoky cruiser, it exploded into flames.

For Officer Tara Edwards and the Tampa Police family, the two men’s presence and heroic deed on that day gave true meaning to the saying they were at the right place at the right time. Congratulations Mr. Thomas and Mr. Rand for earning the distinction of the  Tampa Police Department’s 2008 Citizen of the Year Award.