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Highway Patrol honors Sgt. Hipp, Trooper Jeffries

Two Hendersonville-based State Highway Patrol troopers won special awards during a ceremony Tuesday.

"We are proud to recognize the tremendous efforts and sacrifices that our members nobly make when called upon," said Colonel Glenn M. McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. "To come together and acknowledge their actions is a joyous occasion for our organization and the State of North Carolina."

Sergeant Brent E. Hipp won the Humanitarian Service Award, which is presented in recognition for an employee’s outstanding volunteer public service that significantly contributes to individuals, groups, organizations, or communities in North Carolina.

Sgt.HippSgt. Brent HippOn Sept. 15, 2004, Trooper Jack D. Ferree's son, Joshua, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes. He was 24 years old and was attending Cleveland Community College for his Criminal Justice degree. In 2005, Hipp and his wife, Melony, started the Josh Ferree Memorial Softball Tournament to fund a scholarship at Cleveland Community College for students seeking a degree in the criminal justice field. In four years, the tournament raised approximately $15,000.

Since 2010, Hipp has been actively involved in the Special Olympics North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run. He has raised over $20,000 by leading special events throughout his community. His efforts provide district members the opportunity to interact with their community in a positive manner while presenting a caring, professional, and inclusive image of the Highway Patrol. Sgt. Hipp has consistently been involved with his community since joining the Highway Patrol in 2002. Sgt. Hipp was recognized for his long and extensive outstanding public service to his community.

Trooper Christopher M. Jeffries won the Highway Patrol Samaritan Award, which recognizes a member of the patrol who went beyond the call of duty to aid or assist a fellow citizen.

On Feb. 14, Valentines Day, Jeffries was on routine patrol in Henderson County when he was approached by a motorist advising him they had observed a distressed young adult female standing on the overpass of U.S. 25 which crosses over TrooperJeffriesTrooper Chris JeffriesI-26. He located the distraught female who had stepped over a guardrail and was standing on the open side of the U.S. 25 overpass. After contacting Highway Patrol Communications to request assistance, Jefferies approached the female. Observing that she was upset and crying profusely, Jefferies engaged in conversation with her, attempting to calm her down. Eventually, she sat down on the edge of the bridge while talking with Jeffries. Continuing the conversation, he stooped to both knees.

Jeffries seized an opportunity to grab the female’s arm to keep her from falling. Trooper Mark Corbin arrived on scene and assisted Jeffries by pulling the female to safety. She was placed into custody of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office where she was provided further assistance. The selfless act demonstrated by Jeffries and Corbin quite possibly saved the life of this young lady.

Both Hipp and Jeffries are stationed in Hendersonville with Troop G, District 3.