MacDill Reservist recognized for saving three lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs
Plant City, Fla. --  Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hilsman, a police officer with the Plant City Police Department and traditional reservist with the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., received a proclamation March 30 from Plant City Mayor Rick Lott for his selfless acts of braver in saving three lives and eliminating an adversary.

While on duty Nov. 11, 2014 with police department, Hilsman and his partner responded to an early morning call, 'structure fire with occupants inside.' Upon arrival the two found the house engulfed in flames and could see two young females through the window.

"With my positions in both the Reserve and the police department, quite often I am required to make split-second decisions," said Hilsman. "Thankfully the training I receive from both, allows me to make those potentially life-saving decisions."

Putting their own safety aside, the officers immediately entered the burning structure, rescuing the two teenagers. The teenagers frantically expressed to the officers that their mother had been stabbed and she and the perpetrator were locked in the rear bedroom.

The officers rushed to the rear of the house where they were able to see the blood covered mother and the suspect through a closed window. The suspect with his hands and arms around the victim in a bear hug like hold was dragging her towards the flames.

The officers shattered the glass and ordered the perpetrator to release the victim. Failing to follow the numerous commands and continuing to precede towards the fire, the officers were left with little option. Both officers drew their sidearm and with one strategically placed shot, the threat to both themselves and the victim was neutralized.

"As a result of the swift response and actions of responding officers, they were able to save the lives of the victim and her two daughters," the Plant City Police Department said in a news release



During a ceremony held March 30, at the Plant City Police Department, Plant City, Fla., Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hilsman, a communications technician with the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., received a proclamation from Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, for his selfless acts of bravery, resulting in three lives saved and the adversary eliminated.

Hilsman, a traditional reservist balances his military commitment and his fulltime position as a police officer with the Plant City Police Department.

While on duty Nov. 11, 2014 with police department, (Staff Sgt.) Officer Hilsman and his partner responded to an early morning call, 'structure fire with occupants inside.' Upon arrival the two found the house engulfed in flames and could see two young females through the window.

"With my positions in both the Reserve and the police department, quite often I am required to make split-second decisions," said Hilsman. "Thankfully the training I receive from both, allows me to make those potentially life-saving decisions."

Putting their own safety aside, the officers immediately entered the burning structure, rescuing the two teenagers. The teenagers frantically expressed to the officers that their mother had been stabbed and she and the perpetrator were locked in the rear bedroom.

The officers rushed to the rear of the house where they were able to see the blood covered mother and the suspect through a closed window. The suspect with his hands and arms around the victim in a bear hug like hold was dragging her towards the flames. The officers shattered the glass and ordered the perpetrator to release the victim. Failing to follow the numerous commands and continuing to precede towards the fire, the officers were left with little option. Both officers drew their sidearm and with one strategically placed shot, the threat to both themselves and the victim was neutralized.

"As a result of the swift response and actions of responding officers, they were able to save the lives of the victim and her two daughters," the Plant City Police Department said in a news release.