LANSING.  The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper J. Andrew Williams of the Flint Post has been awarded the Michigan State Police (MSP) Bravery Award for risking his life and placing himself in danger to rescue two individuals from a burning home.

On Sept. 21, Williams was dispatched to a mobile home fire in which two people were trapped inside.  Williams entered the smoke-filled home, feeling his way through the burning hallway until he located a 2-year old and a disabled female in a rear bedroom. 

When he attempted to exit with the child, he found the front of the home, where he entered, engulfed in flames.  Williams quickly located a back-door and carried the child outside to a waiting deputy paramedic from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.  Williams and another deputy paramedic then re-entered the burning home and carried the female out of the residence.  Within minutes of both subjects being evacuated, the home was overtaken by flames.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined Williams’ heroic actions were instrumental in saving the lives of these individuals.  He was presented with the MSP Bravery Award at a special ceremony today in Lansing.

Williams joined the department in 2000, and graduated as a member of the 119^th Trooper Recruit School.  After graduation, he was assigned to the Flint Post where he has served for five years.  A native of Breckenridge, Williams currently resides in Chesaning with his wife, Stacey, and their two boys, Tanner and Hayden.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

First Lieutenant Richard Arnold, Flint Post commander, (810) 732-1111