Faced with a suicidal subject in a locked trailer filled with propane, Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Stowers took extraordinary steps to enter the residence and safely remove the subject, earning him the Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Medal, according to Sheriff Rick Scott.

Scott’s award letter stated that, in the early evening of Oct. 24, Stowers was dispatched to the scene of a possibly suicidal subject who had sent a message to a friend indicating she intended to end her life. The friend could hear an alarm going off inside the subject’s trailer but was unable to get anyone to come to the door.

Stowers arrived and “could smell the odor of propane coming from the trailer,” wrote Scott. Another person on scene indicated the gas had been shut off, and Stowers attempted to gain entry, finding all the doors locked. After he disconnected the electricity, Stowers attempted to break out a window in the trailer with items he found around the property, eventually taking a sledgehammer out of his patrol vehicle and smashing a window that allowed him to unlock the door.

“You immediately smelled the strong odor of gas,” wrote Scott. “You located a subject in a chair in the trailer and you were able to drag her out of the trailer. The subject was breathing but unconscious.”

Stowers requested aid and the subject was transported to Summit Pacific Medical Center and placed on an involuntary mental health hold, according to Scott.

Scott concluded, “After reviewing reports, I have determined that your quick actions in this case saved this subject’s life. It is therefore my honor and pleasure to present you with the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Medal. Please also accept my thanks and commendation for your hard work and dedication to the citizens of Grays Harbor County.”

Scott presented the award to Stowers at the Sheriff’s Office on Friday.

The Life Saving medal is awarded to a deputy for an act performed in the line of duty, and whose selfless disregard for personal safety and/or prompt and alert action results in the saving of a human life. According to Sheriff’s Office administrative assistant Ranee Farmer, there have been 13 people that have receive this medal, the first one in 1980.