Life Saving Incident

Maggie Valley Police Chief Russ Gilliland recognized Officer Shanna Bellows for her efforts that saved a life. Bellows was on patrol when she received a radio call to respond to a home regarding a woman bleeding. Upon arrival at the home, she could hear a woman calling out for help, but was unable to gain access through the front door. She went to the rear of the house where she was able to enter through the back door, which was open. Following the calls for help, she found a female in the bathroom who had lost a lot of blood. “She used what was available to slow the bleeding and comforted the individual until emergency services arrived,” Gilliland told those at the board meeting. He said her critical thinking and rapid response helped save a life. Bellows has worked for the department for the past two-and-a-half years of service, where she’s earned the reputation for being “very proactive and has our community in mind,” Gilliland said. “Officer Shanna Bellows demonstrates traits of a dedicated, professional and community-minded police officer,” Gilliland said. “She responds to calls for service with confidence, strength and compassion.”