May 17, 2004
Press Release

Bedford County Citizens of the Year, Sheriff’s Life Saving Award

Presented by Sheriff Mike Brown to Jimmy and Jerry Farlow.
Mr. Don Lewis had burned some brush in the field behind his home in Goode. Later, on the morning of April 5, he was moving the burned debris with his tractor and noticed some of the ashes were still hot. Because of the stirring, a small fire broke out.

Using the bucket on his tractor, he began to dump dirt on the flames in an effort to extinguish the fire. The tractor became unstable as it leaned on the embankment, turned on its side, trapping Mr. Lewis between the tractor and a pile of brush.

Diesel fuel began leaking form the tractor, spilling on to Mr. Lewis as he looked on in horror of the flames moving closer and closer to him.

Farlow and his wife, Jerry, were leaving their home, located behind the Lewis home, when they noticed smoke rising up from the creek bank. They stopped to investigate and saw the overturned tractor and heard a voice crying for help.

Mrs. Farlow immediately called 9-1-1 while her husband, Jimmy, made his way down the bank, yelling out that help was on the way.

Jimmy Farlow was able to move enough of the brush and limbs to free Don Lewis, and helped him out of harms way and made him lay still, until the rescue squad arrived.

Don Lewis was transported to Bedford Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He suffered a large second-degree burn on his head, swollen vertebra, two broken ribs and numerous other bruises.

Remarkably to note, Jimmy Farlow was injured in 1969 while serving our country as a member of the Third Marine Division in Vietnam when shrapnel hit him during a mortar fire attack. As a result of his injuries, Jimmy has limited use of his right arm and difficulty walking. These difficulties never dissuaded his actions to help another human being in need.

The Farlows were able to calm, comfort and assure Don Lewis of his safety until the proper medical help arrived.

Jimmy and Jerry Farlow, in recognition of your compassion and caring for a neighbor in need, I would like to present you with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award.

This award exemplifies the qualities of good Samaritans and it is a privilege to honor you both for your demonstration of unselfish kindness and caring.

Contact: Harris Gardner - 434.444.1620