On July 07, 2026, Reserve Deputy Michael Barnes, who was acting in his capacity as an Elizabethtown Volunteer Firefighter, responded to assist with a reported traffic accident. Deputy Barnes arrived first on scene and located a female victim who had been partially run over and become trapped between the front wheel and the wheel-well of a pickup truck. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Deputy Barnes located a floor jack on scene and used it to lift the truck, expanding the space between the wheel and the wheel-well enough to allow the victim to be freed from entrapment.
Deputy Barnes’ quick thinking and decisive action during this emergency prevented the victim from sustaining further injury. His response reflects a strong commitment to public service and the safety of the community he serves.
“I am proud of having Reserve Deputy Barnes, and I appreciate his volunteer service as both a Reserve Deputy and a firefighter. He is a valuable asset to our agency, and Bartholomew County is lucky to have him as a public servant,” said Sheriff Chris Lane.
