Spotsylvania County deputy receives 2024 valor award for rescuing 2 people trapped in burning vehicle

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — One deputy in Spotsylvania County is being recognized as a hero after she rescued two people from a burning vehicle.

It all happened when Deputy Mele with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, was on the way home from her shift when she noticed something burning in the woods.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Mele discovered that a vehicle had crashed, overturned, and was on fire and immediately jumped into action.

The Sheriff’s Office said she rescued a disoriented passenger and brought them safety. She then returned to remove another passenger, who was unresponsive.

Officials said she did this while live power lines were just a few feet away.

Deputy Mele was one of six deputies who received the 2024 Valor Award from the Virginia Sheriff’s Association.

“Deputy Mele, thank you for your outstanding service and going above and beyond the call of duty!” said the Sheriff’s Office on social media.

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