Springfield Police Officer Presented with Life Saving Award for Heroic Actions

Chief Joe Behl and Mayor Misty Buscher recently recognized Officer Matthew Torres with the Springfield Police Department Life Saving award and Mayor’s Certificate of Honor for his heroic actions in saving a man’s life.

On July 2, 2025, Officer Torres responded to an accident with injuries near the intersection of South Wirt Avenue and East Stuart Street. A 911 caller reported that a vehicle had struck the railroad tracks, causing a male occupant to be ejected from the vehicle. The caller further advised that the male had sustained a severe leg injury.

Upon arrival, Officer Torres located the individual, identified as Willie D. Crawford, lying just east of the railroad tracks. Officer Torres observed that Crawford’s right pant leg was torn with fresh bleeding below the knee, and a bone was protruding through the fabric. Recognizing the severity of the injury, Officer Torres quickly applied a tourniquet to the upper right leg.

Moments later, the Springfield Fire Department arrived on scene and assumed primary medical care. Crawford was transported to the hospital, where he was stabilized.

Officer Torres’ quick thinking and decisive action in applying the tourniquet undoubtedly helped slow the blood loss and saved Crawford’s life. For his actions, Officer Torres was presented with the Life Saving Award, one of the department’s highest honors.