08/24/2026
The Midlothian Police Department has recognized four officers for their extraordinary life‑saving actions during two critical incidents in July 2026.
Officer Arthur Fletcher, Officer Elijah Samuels, Corporal Zachary Abrahams, and Sergeant Drew Wilson have each been awarded the Midlothian Police Department’s Lifesaving Award, one of the department’s highest honors.
Officer’s Swift Response Saves Overdose Victim
On July 16, 2026, Dispatch received an emergency call reporting an overdose at The Oasis Bar, located just outside the city limits. Officer Arthur Fletcher, recognizing the urgency of the situation, immediately self‑assigned to the call and arrived within minutes. Upon arrival, Officer Fletcher located an unconscious male exhibiting labored breathing and frothing at the mouth—signs consistent with a severe opioid overdose. Acting decisively, he administered Narcan, successfully reviving the victim. Medics arrived shortly thereafter and transported the individual to Midlothian Methodist for further treatment. A charge nurse later informed the shift’s Watch Commander that Officer Fletcher’s rapid response and timely administration of Narcan were instrumental in saving the man’s life. Without his swift intervention, the victim likely would not have survived.
Three Officers Prevent Tragedy on HWY 287 Bridge
On July 26, 2026, Officer Elijah Samuels, Corporal Zachary Abrahams, and Sergeant Drew Wilson responded to a report of a suicidal female armed with a knife on the Walter Stevenson Bridge over HWY 287.
Officer Samuels and Sergeant Wilson immediately began de‑escalation efforts, speaking calmly with the distraught woman and encouraging her to step away from the edge. Corporal Abrahams worked quickly to close the busy highway below, ensuring the safety of motorists and officers.
For approximately 30 minutes, the officers maintained communication, used time and distance to remain safe, and continued building rapport. When the subject remained intent on harming herself, the officers developed a plan to safely intervene using less‑lethal options. Sergeant Wilson created a distraction, allowing Officer Samuels to deploy his ECW, immobilizing the subject long enough for officers to move in and secure her safely. She was then transported to a facility for professional care.
For their decisive actions, these officers are hereby awarded the Midlothian Police Department’s Lifesaving Award. Please help us congratulate them all!