Trooper S. Matthew Cochran received the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery earlier this week, and for this, he makes this week's Super NoVA spot. The Badge of Bravery honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by law enforcement officers. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Senator Webb (D-VA), and Senator Warner (D-VA), together presented Cochran with the award on Monday.
The honor comes to Cochran after he responded to an early morning fire at an apartment complex in Hillsville on January 9, 2010. Trooper Cochran entered the burning apartment building without protective gear after he heard screaming for help. He crawled through the flames and smoke to rescue the screaming woman.
According to Virginia State Police, thanks to Tropper Cochran, a Carroll County deputy, and a Hillsville police officer, all 37 residents of the complex were rescued because the group banged on doors to wake those who were still asleep.
