Off-duty officer helps family
GOOD FOR YOU

The actions of an off-duty Troup police of ficer have earned him the praise of his chief and the gratitude of a Whitehouse family.

Sgt. Shawn Murry was on the scene when a grassfire caused by fireworks on New Year's Eve endangered a home on Maji Road. Murry and his family were on their way home from a fellow officer's home when he noticed bystanders watching a grassfire.

With the fire department not yet on the scene, Murr y stopped and used the family's water hose and buckets to begin watering down the exterior of the house in case the fire advanced.

The house lights were off, and Murry at first thought the family was not home. However, after knocking on both the front and back doors, he awakened the family of three, who had no idea that a fire was approaching the perimeter of their home.

Murry continued to assist the family in helping get everyone out of the house and moving vehicles out of harm's way.

Since he was off duty, Murry did not file a report on the incident, and it was only when cards of thanks and a pecan pie arrived at the Troup Police Department that Chief Pat Hendrix learned of his efforts.

"He doesn't really want any attention," said Hendrix, who nonetheless praised Murry and said that under slightly different circumstances, such as a heavier wind, the officer's actions might have saved all their lives and their home.

The family seems to agree with the chief, saying in their card of thanks, "Words cannot express our deep gratitude for your courageous act of loving kindness on New Year's Eve. We will be forever grateful to you for saving not only our lives and land but also our beloved pecan trees."

Daughter Maci added her own note, thanking Murry for "saving my family and my puppy."