Soldiers are often heralded for their bravery and heroics on the battlefield, but at Monday's Lakewood City Council meeting, one Joint Base Lewis-McChord warrior was singled out for going above and beyond right here at home. Pfc. Jose Delgado was awarded the Lakewood Police Chief's Citizen Commendation for his actions at an accident scene this summer.

"We don't give very many of these out," said Lieutenant Chris Lawler of Lakewood Police Department. "But he was so deserving, there was no question."

Late this past July, Delgado pulled into a Lakewood gas station on Bridgeport Way just in time to control a rapidly deteriorating situation. A car had swerved into the station and crashed into a minivan, pinning Mary Healey between the island and the broken gas pump and nearly severing her left foot. Delgado sprang into action, dragging Healey from the puddles of gas and applying tourniquets as needed, as well as instructing other individuals on what to do. His quick reaction time enabled paramedics to quickly evacuate Healey and transport her to Harborview Medical Center where she was stabilized.

"It was obviously a unique situation and thankfully many of the bystanders wanted to help, but in watching the video from the station, he is the one who saved her life," Lawler stated.

Delgado, who is part of the C Co, 702nd Brigade Support Battalion, has been stationed at JBLM for more than two years.

In addition to the commendation, which was presented by Mayor Doug Richardson, Delgado was also given a Lakewood Police Department challenge coin by Police Chief Bret Farrar and Fire Chief Ken Sharp replaced the belt that Delgado had used as a tourniquet at the time of the accident.

All three of the city's officials personally thanked Delgado for his actions, as did Healey, who was finally able to hug the man who rescued her.

Photo caption: Members of the Lakewood City Council, Police Chief Bret Farrar, Fire Chief Ken Sharp, Mayor Doug Richardson and members of the C Co, 702nd Brigade Support Battalion stand proudly behind Pfc. Jose Delgado and Lakewood resident Mary Healey (both center).