Press Release – City of Jonesboro
Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) this week recognized Corporal Jason Chester & Sergeant Trey Dupuy of Jonesboro, Arkansas as the “Arkansans of the Week” for their heroic rescue of a Jonesboro teenager from a storm drain.
You can find the full text of Senator Cotton’s recognition on the Senate Floor below. A video of Senator Cotton’s remarks can be viewed here.
I would like to recognize Corporal Jason Chester and Sergeant Trey Dupuy, of the Jonesboro Police Department, as this week’s “Arkansans of the Week,” for heroically rescuing a 13-year-old boy trapped in a storm drain.
Last month, 13-year-old Jacob Hunter was swept away during a flash flood in Jonesboro. Jacob was washed through the city’s drainage system underneath a parking lot, where he held on for several hours. Initial search efforts by police, fire, EMS and other volunteers to find Jacob were unsuccessful. But Corporal Chester and Sergeant Dupuy wouldn’t give up hope. They returned to the area where Jacob was first swept away and searched again. Sergeant Dupuy leaned toward a storm drain and heard a faint cry for help – that’s when the two officers jumped into action. They removed a heavy manhole cover and were able to pull Jacob to safety.
The entire state of Arkansas is grateful to Corporal Chester and Sergeant Dupuy and all the first responders for their heroic efforts.
We don’t hear news stories with happy endings often enough these days, especially when the circumstances seem so grim. But because of the persistence and quick thinking of these two officers, Jacob Hunter is alive and well today. I am honored to recognize Corporal Jason Chester and Sergeant Trey Dupuy for their efforts. Their determination and commitment to finding Jacob is a reflection of the true spirit of Arkansas. And they remind us we owe a debt of gratitude to all first responders and emergency personnel across the country for the work they do to keep us safe.
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The “Arkansan of the Week” initiative is designed to honor Arkansans who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to their communities, and to the state.
Senator Cotton will honor each “Arkansan of the Week” with a speech on the Senate Floor.
If you know someone who has made an impact on their local community or Arkansas as a whole, Senator Cotton would like to recognize them! To nominate someone for “Arkansan of the Week,” send an email to nominations@cotton.senate.gov with the following:
- Name of Nominee
- Detailed description of why they should be recognized as “Arkansan of the Week”
- Contact Info
- Photos if Available
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