08/04/2025
So proud of the dedication of all this yearโs Valor honorees. Thanks Alachua County Sheriff for keeping our community safe
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๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐
In the late-night hours of Monday, June 16th, the Alachua County Sheriffโs Office Combined Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a small truck traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of US Highway 301. The vehicle was already involved in a crash, and was driving in the wrong-direction toward other motorists.
Deputy Upshaw located the vehicle, where it continued traveling the wrong-way. Upshaw positioned his patrol car in the middle of the highway with emergency lights activated. The truck rammed the driverโs side of Upshawโs vehicle, then continued recklessly southbound, posing a grave threat to others on the road.
Realizing the urgent need to prevent a head-on collision, Sgt. Bright positioned his patrol vehicle directly in the truckโs path. The truck collided with Brightโs vehicle, effectively bringing it to a stop.
With deputies rushing to the crash, the truck caught fire. Realizing the driver was still inside, Bright, Upshaw and Cortes-Rodriquez rushed to the burning vehicle and pulled the driver to safety, before it became fully engulfed in flames.
An investigation later revealed that the driver was experiencing a significant medical emergency, which contributed to the erratic driving. The subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
For their extraordinary courage, placing themselves in personal danger to save other motorists, the Alachua County Sheriffโs Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sgt. Esau Bright, Deputy Jason Upshaw and Deputy Robert Cortes Rodriguez as Valor Honorees.
