Officer of the Year 1995
LIEUTENANT LEE KELLOGG
Broward County Florida Sheriff’s Office While on routine patrol, Lt. Kellogg, a twenty-year police veteran, waited in traffic at a busy railway crossing. As the warning bells rang out indicating an approaching Amtrak train, and the gates lowered, he saw in stark horror that a gasoline truck was sitting on the track, unable to move forward or backward. The train engineer saw the situation and ran from the engine knowing he was not able to stop. As the engine struck the gasoline tanker, Lt. Kellogg described the explosion as “if the gates of hell had opened up”. He radioed for all possible aid and then ran into the flames in a valiant attempt to rescue many motorists who found themselves trapped by the flames and gasoline.
Many were already dead and others severely injured, burned and needing help. Lt. Kellogg was able to save
dozens of lives by his quick and heroic actions. His own injuries would eventually cause him to be off duty for nearly six months. “To protect and serve” was, in this instance an example of what so many law enforcement officers do day after day, at great personal risk. His own police car was totally destroyed as the flames spread in one of the worst disasters in that community’s history. In total, six persons perished, nine passenger cars were destroyed as well as 13 railroad cars. By being on the scene Lt. Kellogg was able to direct police, fire and ambulances to reduce the tragic loss of life and injuries. Lt. Lee Kellogg is truly a shining example of a “Hero in Blue”.
Previous Officers of the Year:
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