MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian Police Department recognized four officers recently for their extraordinary lifesaving actions during two critical incidents in July 2026.
Officer Arthur Fletcher, Officer Elijah Samuels, Corporal Zachary Abrahams, and Sergeant Drew Wilson were each awarded the Midlothian Police Department’s Lifesaving Award, one of the department’s highest honors.
One incident occurred on July 16 when dispatch received an emergency call reporting an overdose at The Oasis Bar, located just outside Midlothian city limits.
Officer Arthur Fletcher, immediately self-assigned to the call and was there within minutes.
Fletcher located an unconscious male exhibiting labored breathing and frothing at the mouth – signs consistent with a severe opioid overdose.
He administered Narcan, successfully reviving the victim. Medics arrived shortly thereafter and transported the victim to the hospital 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.
A second incident occurred on July 26 when 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 deescalation efforts, encouraging the distraught woman to step away from the edge of the bridge.
At the same time, Corporal Abrahams worked quickly to close the busy highway below, ensuring the safety of motorists and officers.
The situation went on for approximately 30 minutes as 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.
“We are tremendously proud of these officers,” Midlothian Assistant Police Chief Scott Brown said.
“They have demonstrated their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our community.
“Their actions truly merit our Department’s Life Saving Award. I believe they reflect the dedication to the community that every officer in our agency brings to their work each day.”