VIDEO BACK THE BLUE ALERT: AG Moody Marks 5 Years of Back the Blue by Recognizing Sergeant Who Saved Baby from Tragic Crash

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Release Date
Feb 28, 2024
Contact
Kylie Mason
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today is marking the five-year anniversary of the Back the Blue Award by recognizing the valiant actions of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Dave Musgrove. Earlier this month, Sgt. Musgrove saved the life of a six-month-old child involved in a tragic crash, where a motorcyclist struck the vehicle carrying the baby and her family. The Back the Blue Award is presented to law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty and to citizens and organizations that show extraordinary support for those who protect and serve. 

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “In a time of crisis, Sgt. Musgrove remained calm and immediately took action—saving a six-month-old who was unresponsive after being in a devastating car crash. Over the past five years of our Back the Blue Award, I have had the privilege to recognize remarkable acts of bravery and selflessness from officers, and Sgt. Musgrove’s heroic deeds on that fateful day are no different. His actions show that Florida is home to some of the best law enforcement officers in the United States and it is my honor to present him with a Back the Blue Award.”

Driving on South McCall Road in Englewood, Sgt. Musgrove witnessed a motorcyclist speeding at around 100 miles per hour. By the time Sgt. Musgrove caught up to the motorcycle, tragedy already struck—the motorcyclist hit a car carrying a mother and two young daughters, a three-year-old and a six-month-old. Sgt. Musgrove found the motorcyclist dead, wedged in the window of the car, trapping the baby girl. After safely removing the three-year old, Sgt. Musgrove located the six-month-old, unresponsive underneath the deceased motorcyclist. Acting swiftly, Sgt. Musgrove rescued the baby from the car, performed chest compressions and successfully resuscitated the child before medical assistance arrived. The six-month-old made a full recovery.

Attorney General Moody launched the statewide Back the Blue campaign soon after taking office in 2019. The Back the Blue Award recognizes officers going above and beyond the call of duty, as well as citizens and organizations showing law enforcement extraordinary support. 

To nominate a law enforcement officer, citizen or organization for a Back the Blue Award, or for more information about Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue campaign, click here.

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Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.