DeSoto County deputy honored for heroic rescue of semi-truck driver in distress

FLORIDA — A DeSoto County deputy has been honored by Attorney General Ashley Moody for his courage and heroism in saving the life of a motorist experiencing a medical emergency, according to Moody’s office.

Michael Bellflower, a DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) lieutenant, was presented with a Back the Blue Award by Moody last week.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, Bellflower spotted a livestock trailer being hauled by a semi-truck with a driver who appeared to be in distress while commuting to work. Bellflower dashed through traffic, jumped onto the fender of the truck, smashed the vehicle’s window, and turned off the ignition.

The truck driver reportedly suffered a medical event while driving. The swift action by Belflower is credited with saving the truck driver’s life and protecting drivers who may have been in danger of colliding with the large vehicle.

“There are no routine days in the lives of our law enforcement heroes,” said Moody.

“His heroic actions deserve recognition and stand as yet another example of the dangers our officers face willingly to keep us safe.”

Bellflower is a detention deputy at DCSO and does not ordinarily patrol the roads. On that day, he commuted to work and saw the livestock truck that did not seem to be operating normally. Bellflower reportedly risked his life running through traffic and jumping on the moving semi-truck.

“Lieutenant Bellflower consistently demonstrates the values we honor at DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, and he certainly exemplified his heroism and dedication on this day,” said DeSoto County Sheriff James Potter.

“As Sheriff, I couldn’t be prouder.”

Moody launched the statewide Back the Blue campaign soon after taking office in 2019. The campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens, and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and local communities.

Click here for additional information about the Back the Blue program or to nominate a law enforcement officer, a civilian, or a group for a Back the Blue Award.