The City of Licking board of alderman July 9 recognized Billy Hale of Houston for heroic actions in assisting a police officer with an arrest.
On June 5, an officer was attempting to arrest a domestic violence suspect at an East Highway 32 residence. The suspect resisted arrest and assaulted the officer, and a violent struggle between the two ensued.
Hale and some family members happened to be driving by and observed the officer fighting with the suspect. He turned his vehicle around and went back to assist the officer, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Licking Police Chief Scott Lindsey presented Hale with a certificate of commendation for an outstanding act of service to the community in the furtherance of justice.
“Mr. Hale was willing to risk his personal safety, to step up and help an officer,” Lindsey said. “We are grateful of Mr. Hale’s actions and he deserves to be recognized for his efforts.”
After the presentation, members of the board personally thanked Hale.