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Thankful for safety of a brave county deputy

FW firefighter divers assist Sheriffs deputy 26-year old Krystal Salazar from a rescue craft after they rescued her from the raging waters of Deer Creek. Salazar had gone into the water to try and rescue 2 other people that were swept away in the rushing waters. She was taken to an area hospital to be checked out.
FW firefighter divers assist Sheriffs deputy 26-year old Krystal Salazar from a rescue craft after they rescued her from the raging waters of Deer Creek. Salazar had gone into the water to try and rescue 2 other people that were swept away in the rushing waters. She was taken to an area hospital to be checked out. Glen E.Ellman Special to the Star-Telegram

For two hours, Tarrant County Deputy Krystal Salazar clung to a tree limb in floodwaters after trying heroically to save an elderly woman’s life.

Think about that for a moment: two hours in floodwaters and drenching rain at 2 a.m., hoping help comes before the water rises.

For Salazar, 26, and other brave law officers dealing with the risk of deadly high water in storms, there is never any question whether to try to save a life. The deputy waded into the Deer Creek waters over Oak Grove Road, but was washed away as a dashcam captured the scene.

There is no question about Salazar’s valor and heroism.

Yet a few armchair critics complained on social media, and one who should know better accused her of trying for attention.

In an age when every police call is subject to video-replay second-guessing, and when law officers’ work is scrutinized more closely than ever before, it is a shame that anyone would second-guess a brave deputy and find fault in her attempt to save a life.

The people of Tarrant County can be tremendously proud of this young deputy, and of the men and women working remote county roads for the Sheriff’s Office.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Thankful for safety of a brave county deputy."

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