NEW ORLEANS – In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Major Jeffrey Lawrence of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office came to the aid of a distressed mother and her baby following a vehicle fire incident on Interstate 10 (I-10) on Wednesday morning.
Major Jeffrey Lawrence, who was en route to his duties at the Orleans Civil District Court, spotted a car engulfed in flames on the westbound lanes of I-10, near the Elysian Fields exit.
Upon closer inspection, Lawrence discovered a young mother cradling her infant in her arms, standing perilously close to the blazing vehicle. Without hesitation, Major Lawrence sprang into action to ensure their safety. He immediately contacted the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and summoned two additional Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) deputies to help manage traffic until the arrival of NOFD.
Speaking about the incident, Major Lawrence humbly remarked, “I love helping people. That’s what I do every day when we assist individuals with restraining orders. This morning was no different. I’ve encountered some intense situations in my career, and this just happened, so I did what I’ve always done.”
The quick and decisive actions of Major Jeffrey Lawrence not only safeguarded the mother and her baby but also exemplify the dedication of public servants to the well-being and safety of the community. In times of crisis, it is individuals like Major Lawrence who remind us of the importance of selflessness and the noble duty of public service.