Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today awarded the department's Life Saving Award to Officer Chas Terry. Officer Terry has been with the Knoxville Police Department since March 2005.

Chief Owen said that on August 30, 2006 at approximately 8:10 p.m., Officer Terry was investigating a vehicle crash on Kennesaw Drive. As Officer Terry was completing the investigation he heard a woman screaming for help. Officer Terry immediately responded to her plea. The distraught woman was screaming that her son was at the bottom of their pool.

"Officer Terry tore off his gun belt, shirt and bullet resistant vest and dove into the pool," said Chief Owen.

The 33 year-old victim was located lying on the bottom of the pool in the deep end. Officer Terry attempted to pull the victim to the surface, but he was unable to get him out of the water. As Officer Terry returned to the surface to get a breath of air, he noticed a neighbor who had also responded to the call for help. Officer Terry quickly enlisted the neighbor, David Wilson, for help in pulling the victim out of the water and onto the side of the pool.

Once the victim was pulled out of the water, Officer Terry and Mr. Wilson performed CPR until EMT's with the Knoxville Fire Department arrived. The victim was transported to UT Medical Center.

Chief Owen said, "Because of Officer Terry's quick thinking, calm reasoning and decisive actions, he was able to save the life of the victim."

Mayor Haslam said, "We commend Mr. Wilson for coming to the aid of an officer and for doing his part in saving the life of another citizen."

Officer Terry and Mr. Wilson will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief.