Site search
sponsored by
News
Sports
ENLARGE
Aaron Baimbridge
|
ENLARGE
|
Troy Mills
|
Two law enforcement officers who pulled Sutherlin resident Craig Riley, clinging to life, from a burning house almost three years ago were honored Thursday evening.
Oregon State Police Trooper Aaron Baimbridge and Sutherlin Police Officer Troy Mills were awarded the American Police Hall of Fame's Silver Star for Bravery at a short ceremony held at Sutherlin Civic Auditorium.
Before the awards were handed out, Sutherlin Police Chief Mike Mahler recalled the events of March 10, 2008, when Craig and Lindi Riley's adoptive son, Gabe, visited the couple's Sutherlin home.
According to prosecutors, Gabe Riley attacked Craig Riley in the carport. The adoptive son then went in the house and woke his mother at gunpoint, slapped duct tape over her nose and mouth and set the bedroom on fire, asphyxiating her.
Gabe Riley then went outside, found Craig Riley wrapped in a tarp, poured lighter fluid on the tarp and lit it on fire. As Gabe Riley fled, Craig Riley made his way into the burning home and called 911.
Mills and Baimbridge were the first two people on scene, Mahler told the 30 or so people gathered to honor them Thursday.
“They went into the burning, smoke-filled house and were able to locate Mr. Riley and assist him out of the house,” Mahler said. “Those actions, in my mind, saved his life.”
Although Craig Riley couldn't attend the ceremony, Mahler said Riley had sent him an e-mail also crediting the men for his survival.
Mahler said Baimbridge and Mills were “entirely dedicated to both their jobs, but more importantly, to the citizens they protect. They are more than willing to put themselves in harm's way every day.”
Oregon State Police Lt. David Gifford said Baimbridge was modest as well about his role in helping to save Craig Riley. All Gifford knew the day of the event was that Baimbridge had responded to a house fire that turned into a homicide investigation.
Only later did he find out that Baimbridge had helped to pull critically injured Craig Riley out of the burning house.
Baimbridge and Mills then were presented with the awards that recognized them for their “courage, dedication and initiative.”
“It's guys like you that make us look good,” Mahler added.
• You can reach reporter Kathy Korengel at 957-4218 or by e-mail at kkorengel@nrtoday.com.
Oregon State Police Trooper Aaron Baimbridge and Sutherlin Police Officer Troy Mills were awarded the American Police Hall of Fame's Silver Star for Bravery at a short ceremony held at Sutherlin Civic Auditorium.
Before the awards were handed out, Sutherlin Police Chief Mike Mahler recalled the events of March 10, 2008, when Craig and Lindi Riley's adoptive son, Gabe, visited the couple's Sutherlin home.
According to prosecutors, Gabe Riley attacked Craig Riley in the carport. The adoptive son then went in the house and woke his mother at gunpoint, slapped duct tape over her nose and mouth and set the bedroom on fire, asphyxiating her.
Gabe Riley then went outside, found Craig Riley wrapped in a tarp, poured lighter fluid on the tarp and lit it on fire. As Gabe Riley fled, Craig Riley made his way into the burning home and called 911.
Mills and Baimbridge were the first two people on scene, Mahler told the 30 or so people gathered to honor them Thursday.
“They went into the burning, smoke-filled house and were able to locate Mr. Riley and assist him out of the house,” Mahler said. “Those actions, in my mind, saved his life.”
Although Craig Riley couldn't attend the ceremony, Mahler said Riley had sent him an e-mail also crediting the men for his survival.
Mahler said Baimbridge and Mills were “entirely dedicated to both their jobs, but more importantly, to the citizens they protect. They are more than willing to put themselves in harm's way every day.”
Oregon State Police Lt. David Gifford said Baimbridge was modest as well about his role in helping to save Craig Riley. All Gifford knew the day of the event was that Baimbridge had responded to a house fire that turned into a homicide investigation.
Only later did he find out that Baimbridge had helped to pull critically injured Craig Riley out of the burning house.
Baimbridge and Mills then were presented with the awards that recognized them for their “courage, dedication and initiative.”
“It's guys like you that make us look good,” Mahler added.
• You can reach reporter Kathy Korengel at 957-4218 or by e-mail at kkorengel@nrtoday.com.
