When Officer Cody Bolt was recognized earlier this month with the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, the moment pointed back to a day in 2024 when quick thinking helped save a teenager’s life.

In the fall of 2024, Bolt responded to an emergency in Lanett, Alabama, where a 17-year-old had been shot and was suffering severe bleeding. Before EMS arrived, he applied a tourniquet to the teenager’s leg, helping control the bleeding and giving him a chance to get the care he needed.

The teen survived and has since recovered. Earlier this month, Bolt was recognized in front of the Lanett City Council for the role he played in those critical first moments.

For Bolt, the moment was never about recognition.

“All that was going through my head was, ‘save this kid,’ and my training took over,” he said. “I simply did what I was supposed to do. Any other officer would have done the same. I just got there first. I’m happy the kid is OK.”

His words get at why stories like this matter. In an emergency, there is not always time to stop and think through every step. People fall back on what they know, what they have practiced and whether they are ready to act.

The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action recognizes people who step in during a crisis and help save or sustain a life. We were proud to recognize Officer Bolt for the quick action he took in a critical moment and the difference it made for a young person and their family.