TOWN RECOGNIZES SGT. DAVID CULLOP FOR SAVING TROOPER'S LIFE

By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff

 Thursday evening, Virginia State Trooper Kris Chapman had the opportunity to thank publicly the man who returned breath to his body at the scene of the Feb. 1 interstate crash that nearly claimed the young officer’s life. Chapman’s family and the town of Chilhowie joined in the expression of gratitude to Chilhowie Police Department Sgt. David Cullop.

The Chilhowie Town Council chamber’s atmosphere was tense with emotion as a letter of commendation from Police Chief Stephen Price was read. The letter explained that Cullop was first on the scene of the wreck that occurred when a drunk driver slammed his Ford F-150 pickup into Chapman’s cruiser while he was working a traffic stop on the shoulder of Interstate 81 near Seven Mile Ford just before 11 p.m. that Friday.

According to the letter, Cullop found “Chapman in the passenger side floor board wedged down between the front seat. Trooper Chapman was unresponsive and appeared not to be breathing.”

The CPD sergeant forced open the passenger-side door and got Chapman into his arms. The letter noted that Cullop laid back with Chapman, positioning himself and the trooper in such a way as to restore Chapman’s ability to breathe. “Sgt. Cullop continued to provide life-saving aid to Trooper Chapman with assistance from other responding units until EMS arrived and took over his care.

With tears streaming down his face, Chapman presented Cullop with the CPD’s Life Saving Medal.

Cullop was quick to tell Chapman, “You’re the real hero, not me.” As the two men embraced, Cullop, a nine-year law-enforcement veteran, said, “I love you, man.”

He told the 30-year-old Chapman that he knew he had a father of two and a husband in his hands that night. “I had to keep you alive,” said Cullop, who is the father of a 2-year-old boy. A firm “thank you” came from the audience, where Chapman’s wife, two children, mother and stepfather were observing the exchange.

After the ceremony, Cullop, who’s been with the CPD for three years and was previously a Smyth County sheriff’s deputy, acknowledged, “I was scared. I was very scared that night.” For a month after the crash, he said, the scene would often replay in his mind. “It helped me when I got to see him, to see for myself that he was OK.”

“When I pulled him out of that car, I knew I had to do everything I could to save his life,” Cullop concluded.

Asked how he’s doing now, Chapman, a Smyth County native, simply said, “I’m doing good. I’m very grateful.”

His wife, Susan, agreed. Acknowledging the community’s support, she said it’s a struggle to find the right words. “There are not enough words. We’re very blessed.”

Noting that their daughter will celebrate her sixth birthday Saturday, Susan said, “He’s here to help us celebrate. Watching her mother-in-law walk with their sleeping 6-month-old son, Susan said, “We couldn’t be happier. Our family’s complete.”

Still cradling her grandson, Kris’ mother, Joanie Russell, said she’d told Cullop that “babies are blessings, and he gave me mine back.”

When Susan told Kris that God had a plan for him, Russell adamantly added, “I’m not done with you yet either.”

Kris repeatedly credited God and said, “I want to glorify him.”

He told a gathering of people that he’s learned a great deal from this experience.

Chapman publicly demonstrated his faith when prior to a hearing for Barry Dean Marshall II, the man accused of driving drunk and hitting him, he assured the 32-year-old Abingdon man that he would continue to pray for him and his family.

Kris is working to move on with his life. He is eager to park his wheelchair permanently. When Susan said that they hope to get the doctor’s OK for him to return to walking on April 17, a smiling Chapman said, “I want run to home from Bristol .”

He’s also looking forward to a Super Bowl party with his family, who taped the big game. Kris noted that he has lost much of his memory from a few days before the crash until Feb. 13.

“Whenever you’re ready, we’ll have it,” his mother said of the party.

Chilhowie Mayor Gary Heninger joined the gathering of people who lingered to talk after the meeting and told Kris, “All of us are here for you.”

In thanking him, the trooper said, “There are still good people around.” Nodding, his wife added, “It gives you hope.”

Later, as Cullop watched Kris maneuver his wheelchair down a sidewalk, he said, “We just want him back on the road.”

HOME