Trooper G.W. Parker recognized for heroic actions in Cullman wreck

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Alabama State Trooper G.W. Parker was honored Friday with a resolution from the Alabama House of Representatives, commending him for saving Cullman resident Donny Robertson’s life. / Courtesy of Corey Harbison

CULLMAN – It’s been a little more than a year since the wreck that took part of Cullman resident Donny Robertson’s leg. Today, the Alabama State Trooper who saved Robertson’s life was officially recognized by the State for his actions.

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a resolution, sponsored by Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, commending Trooper G.W. Parker for “heroic actions in saving a life.”

Parker, a Cullman resident himself, was off duty and having dinner on Jan. 4, 2017 at the Downtown Grill on Fourth Street Southwest when people ran in saying there had been an accident and someone needed help.

The collision happened at the intersection of US Highway 31 and US Highway 278. Robertson, on his motorcycle, was traveling southbound on Highway 31 when a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 31 attempted to turn left onto Highway 278 in front of him.

Robertson’s left leg was severed below the knee in the wreck, and attempts to stop the bleeding by bystanders did not work. Parker retrieved a kit from his truck and was able to apply a tourniquet to Robertson’s leg to stop the bleeding.

The resolution reads, in part, that Parker was “placed in a harrowing situation and without a moment’s hesitation, Trooper G.W. Parker saved a life through his knowledge and extensive training…Alabama State Trooper G.W. Parker epitomizes the qualities of those who serve and protect, and he is truly deserving of the distinguished honor bestowed upon him.”

Parker is friends with the Robertsons, said Harbison. “He didn’t realize it was his friend Donny when he was applying the tourniquet.”

Harbison said Donny Robertson’s son Eric Robertson is a deputy with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and his other son, Ryan Robertson, is also in law enforcement.

Parker is a former CCSO deputy.

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