29-04-2025
Putnam County deputy finds himself in the right place at the right time — again
PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Putnam County deputy with a history of being in the right place at the right time has done it again.
In March, News 2 covered a story about a Putnam County deputy who saved a toddler's life on St. Patrick's Day. The toddler was reportedly choking and Deputy David Woods performed the Heimlich Maneuver for several minutes, expelling a nickel from the child's mouth.
Earlier this month, on April 15, Woods was in the right place again, helping fight a fire that threatened a family's home in Putnam County.
VIDEO: Putnam County deputy saves choking 1-year-old after quick response
News 2 obtained body camera video of the moments that morning on Waterplant Road when Woods arrived to a barn fire that was burning out of control.
According to Putnam County Fire Department Deputy Chief Charles Doss, the wind was blowing hard and embers were flying, which ignited the dry grass.
'The fire ran through the dry grass and burned up to the base of the house,' said Doss.
As seen on video, Woods rushed up to the homeowner, grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed the fire that was only a few feet from the home.
'How much of a difference did that make saving that guy's property?' asked News 2's Andy Cordan.
'All the difference in the world, because it extinguished the fire at the house itself and kept it from coming into the house,' replied Doss.
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Moments later, crews with the Putnam County Fire Department arrived on scene. Doss said the engine was driven by one firefighter, who then had to set up the equipment and hook up to the hydrant.
Woods could then be seen grabbing the hose and pulling it toward the burning barn to spray water on it.
'When our first engine got on scene, we always have a pre-connected line ready to go, but we only had one firefighter on board, so the deputy assisted in pulling the hose off and go to spray some water,' explained Doss. 'He said he got to live his lifelong kid dream of being a firefighter, he got to do it there.'
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According to Doss, firefighters agreed that the quick-acting deputy helped saved the home.
'We have a couple of deputies anytime something goes on they are right in the mix of it, and always in the right area at the right time,' added Doss.
Fire officials told News 2 there was no power to the barn or dangerous weather in the area when the blaze occurred. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.
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