Their motto is to protect and serve, and police officers in every community take the responsibility seriously. Many get into law enforcement as a career because they want to make a difference, and there is perhaps no greater reward than being able to save someone’s life.

Talladega police officer Darrell Garrett knows that lesson firsthand. So does Juanita Woods, the woman’s life Garrett saved.

While on patrol, Garrett heard the sound of a car alarm, and he tracked it until he discovered Woods, who had fallen and was bleeding profusely from a deep gash in her arm. Unable to get up or get the attention of neighbors, she sounded her car alarm with a panic button on her keys, and Garrett followed the sound until he discovered the source.

When Garrett found her, he was able to stabilize the wound until paramedics arrived, and she was rushed to the hospital. She has since made a full recovery.

Due to Garrett’s alertness, Woods lived to tell the story of her own personal hero. And he certainly deserves the thanks and recognition he is getting.

As for Garrett, the reply was simple, yet truly meaningful — “I was just doing my job, just doing what I was trained to do.”