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Heroes' welcome at City Hall for Deputy Boller, colleagues
Deputy Josh Boller definitely lets his actions speak for him. And quite loudly, thank you.
Honored Tuesday night at City Hall for bravery in the line of duty during a Dec. 22 house fire on Albin Pond Road, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department deputy declined an opportunity to address a roomful of fellow law enforcement officials who had come to take part or observe the ceremony honoring Boller and a number of other local officers.
"Do you want to say anything?" Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray asked Boller while gesturing toward the City Hall podium at the end of the ceremony.
"Not really," Boller said, uttering the only two words he would say publicly on the night.
On Dec. 22, however, it was his actions that spoke the loudest as he rushed into the burning residence at 1701 Albin Pond Rd. to pull Norma Albin from the smoke and fire that had engulfed her home.
A police report filed by Greencastle Sgt. Charles Inman indicated Boller was the first officer to arrive on the scene, acting without hesitation in "scrambling from his SUV and running directly toward the burning home."
Picking up the narrative, Mayor Murray noted that Boller "immediately made his way into the house, looking for the resident. He ended up finding her unconscious and was able to pull her to the doorway, and with the help of Officer Nick Eastham was able to get her out of the house."
"Once they got her out," the mayor continued, "the other folks standing here with us right now -- Heather Davies, Kyle Gibbons, Nate Lien and Charles Inman -- provided immediate medical care and were able to provide support until Operation Life could get there."
Sgt. Inman even drove the OL ambulance to the hospital so EMTs could concentrate on tending to the two female patients.
"They saved at least one life, if not more," Mayor Murray praised of the collaborative rescue effort.
Deputy Boller and Carolyn Albin, the victim's daughter, were both treated for smoke inhalation at Putnam County Hospital and released. Norma Albin was sent on to Eskanazi (formerly Wishard) Hospital at Indianapolis for additional care.
"Selflessly," the mayor continued, "they gave of themselves to save the lives of others without thinking of their own personal safety, without thinking maybe someone else could do it better or could do it for them."
Addressing the group of officers assembled at the front of City Hall, the mayor advised that the city has ordered awards for them as well but the items had not arrived yet due to weather delays.
"We are very privileged and very proud of each and every one of you," she assured. "We are grateful for your service and we're grateful for the way all of our public servants are able to work together."
She then turned her attention to Deputy Boller, awarding him the plaque and medal "in appreciation for your bravery in the line of duty."
As the City Hall audience burst into applause, the mayor told Boller the awards were meant to "show appreciation to you and for you and hope you are with us a very long time."
Praising how city, county, university and state law enforcement officers and local fire departments work so well together, Mayor Murray said Greencastle and Putnam County "are very blessed as a community."
"One of the true gifts of our public service folks here in Greencastle and Putnam County," she added, "is the fact they are able to work seamlessly together."
Local residents "are truly blessed," she said, "to be surrounded by people who give their time, their effort, their care and concern to protect those of us here tonight or passing through our community day in and day out."
In short, they are heroes among us.