Two Troopers from Troop C District 8 of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol were honored for exceptional acts of courage and dedication to public service during an awards ceremony held Thursday at The Shepherd’s Church in Cary.

Troop C District 8 is based in Roanoke Rapids and covers Halifax and Northampton counties.

First Sergeant Levern Bynum and Trooper Parker A. Strickland were honored with the Good Samaritan Award for their lifesaving measures by giving first aid to a gunshot victim on May 18 of this year in Enfield, according to the narrative.

“Each recipient embodies the true spirit of public service and exemplifies the patrol’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and loyalty,” the NCSHP said.

Bynum said he and Strickland were investigating a collision when they heard gunshots. “We assumed that it was like somebody hunting or something close by. Then, we saw a gentleman coming down the road in excruciating pain.”

That’s when Strickland, who Bynum was training, got his blowout bag, also known as a trauma kit, and applied a tourniquet to the victim before EMS arrived. The victim survived, Bynum said.

The sergeant said it showed the preparedness on Strickland’s part. “It doesn't take any time for something to happen. You’ve got to be ready to do what you’ve got to do.”

“Their quick thinking, composure, and dedication exemplify the highest standards of service and were instrumental in saving a life,” the Samaritan Award narrative says.

The NCSHP said in a statement Thursday that Major Chad Parks provided a welcome to guests and award recipients, while an invocation was administered by Dr. Alan Potter.

Laura Brewer, deputy chief of staff for Governor Josh Stein, provided remarks to the recipients. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the NCSHP, served as the keynote speaker**,** providing remarks in support of those receiving an award.

“The actions by these recipients signify the great lengths our members go to daily to protect the people who live, work and visit our great state,” said Johnson. “The dedicated public servants who are a part of our agency as well as the partner agencies that work alongside us in our life-saving mission continue to build upon the storied 96-year history of our State Highway Patrol.”