OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. (WAFF) – Police officers respond to emergencies every day, often without ever hearing the thanks they deserve. For Owens Cross Roads officer Matt Elliff, that gratitude arrived two years after a life‑saving call — in the form of a hand‑delivered letter.
Two years ago, Elliff responded to a welfare check after an acquaintance reported someone intended to take their own life. Arriving at the home, Elliff said he felt the uncertainty every responder knows: “Is it a bogus call? Is it a real call? Have I been there before?”
When he went inside, Elliff found the resident unconscious on the couch. “Immediately you think: am I too late?” he recalled. Elliff acted quickly and, through his training and fast response, revived the woman and kept her alive…