Star Staff Reports
Dennis Brunson
A major tragedy was avoided in Millington last Thursday morning thanks to the quick thinking of Millington Police Officer Sgt. Dennis Brunson.
Brunson was patrolling the area near Aycock Park on Juana when he heard an explosion. The boom came from the home of 77-year-old William Nelson. Nelson and his wife were also home with their 11-month-old great grandaugther.
Another explosion came from the Baker Street house and Brunson spotted flames in the backyard. Brunson sprung into action and ran upon the house spotting the family. Having to break the door, Brunson was able to get the family to safety.
Below this message was provided to The Millington Star expressing gratitude for the heroic effort of the MPD’s Sgt. Brunson.
I wanted to take a minute to give a BIG shout out to all of the Millington officers today.
Earlier yesterday while Sgt. Brunson was doing his normal daily routine checks of neighborhoods he heard an explosion. Thinking it was probably some kids playing with fireworks, he turned around to try to find them. Instead he heard a second explosion and found a house in the area partially engulfed in flames. Sgt. Brunson made contact with an older couple and an 11 month old infant inside the house that were unable to get out on their own. (He had already radioed for back up and the fire department.)
He forced entry by kicking in the door and was able to get all 3 victims outside and to safety. When fire and back up arrived (only minutes after being dispatched) the house was fully engulfed in flames. Director Graves stated that if it had not been for Sgt. Brunson’s actions the outcome would have been much more tragic. Luckily someone’s parents, child, brother, sister, aunt, or uncle is alive and well because of one of our own!
Sgt. Brunson was not alone in his actions. Officers Smith and Beckley quickly responded and were able to redirect traffic, evacuate nearby houses, and assist the fire department (along with a million other things I’m sure). As a matter of fact, the whole department responded, as a team, to assist in whatever needed to be done. This included everyone from Inspector Fields to the entire detective’s division. Officers are quick to tell you “I was just doing my job.”
