Two deputies have been honored for their actions following an explosion of pyrotechnics the night of June 23 in the Ellijay Community.
Macon County Sheriff Brent Holbrooks presented the Life Saving Award during the July 11 Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting.
According to Holbrooks, at 1 a.m. on June 23, dispatchers received a call from Ralph Taylor Road about an explosion. Holbrooks previously said the explosion was likely caused by pyrotechnics that were bought online.
“The first two responders on the scene were deputies Brandon Carter and Daniel Long,” Holbrooks said. “These deputies entered the scene with very little light, as the power was out.”
Holbrooks said the two deputies found the victim, David Holland, with severe burns and bleeding heavily and immediately applied tourniquets trying to stop Holland from bleeding out.
“It’s my belief that these deputies, Carter and Long, saved David Holland’s life that night,” Holbrooks said.
Carter was on vacation, but Deputy Long was in attendance and received the Life Saving Award from Holbrooks.
Donald Holland, David’s brother, recognized the EMS, the Cullasaja Volunteer Fire Department, for their efforts that night and spoke of the two deputies not hesitating that night.
“Everybody that showed up was exemplary of what this community is all about,” Donald said. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of Franklin and Macon County.”
Teighlor Holland, David’s youngest daughter, spoke about her father’s love for the community and adventurous spirit. Teighlor said her dad knows his life was saved that night.
“To hear dad talk about that night, the first things that come to his mind, he can actually remember [pointing to Long], I think it was you tying the tourniquet so tight he thought he was going to pee his pants,” Teighlor said. “[Dad] looked at me and said ‘Tay, they saved my life that night.’”
Teighlor said her dad wanted to sneak out of the hospital to be there for the recognition of the deputies, but they got him to stay in his hospital bed.
“On behalf of our family and all the Holland clan, we want to say a big ‘thank you,’” Teighlor said. “This community is all we have, and we thank you for letting us be a part of it.”
Previously, Holbrooks said Holland had undergone several surgeries and remained in critical condition.