Brightwell honored for heroic efforts
Texas DPS Trooper Ivan Brightwell (center) is awarded the Director’s Citation for his heroic efforts at an accident in May of this year.
AUSTIN— The Texas Department of Public Safety is recognizing the heroic efforts of a local trooper for his efforts, exhibiting “bravery and courage.”
Last week, Trooper Ivan Brightwell was honored in Austin, alongside several other troopers, for going above and beyond in the line of duty.
“We are honored to deliver these awards today to the men and women of DPS, who show bravery and courage in the face of danger and adversity,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Their stories inspire us, and we thank them for all they do – every day – as they make a difference in the lives of so many Texans.”
According to DPS, Brightwell showed extraordinary heroism on May 25, when he arrived at the scene of an accident in Chambers County involving an SUV that struck the rear of an 18-wheeler and became lodged underneath it.
The trooper jumped into action after seeing that a man in the vehicle was trapped inside with apparent injuries.
Brightwell is said to have immediately grabbed a pry bar from his vehicle and gone to work with others at the scene to free the man, a feat that was recorded on bodycam footage.
Those efforts were praised by paramedics on the scene, who said he went above and beyond, allowing them to render aid to the man.
The actions have earned Brightwell the Director’s Citation for his response in a life-saving situation.