Plano resident Darnell Branch was recently honored for demonstrating courage and compassion during a crisis. On June 9, 2024, Branch’s heroic actions during a violent incident at a pool on the 7100 block of Chase Oaks Boulevard earned him the citizen hero award.
According to Plano police, Branch witnessed a shooting that left a woman injured earlier this summer. Acting without hesitation, he rushed to her aid, taking decisive steps to save her life. After instructing his wife to call 9-1-1, Branch applied a towel to the victim’s wound, holding pressure to stop the bleeding. Throughout the intense and high-stress situation, he kept the victim awake and engaged, offering physical support and emotional reassurance.
"Darnell Branch's courage and humanity embody the true spirit of a hero," said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain in an official statement. "His willingness to put himself at risk to help a stranger in dire need is an inspiration to us all."
When Plano Police officers arrived, they swiftly secured the area and detained the suspect. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the life-saving efforts already in progress, the officers took over medical care, allowing Branch to step back once it was safe.
Plano Fire-Rescue personnel then transported the victim to the hospital, where Dr. Mark Gamber from Medical City Plano later confirmed that the immediate actions taken at the scene, including Branch’s intervention, were instrumental in saving the victim’s life.
“Darnell Branch’s swift, selfless, and brave actions embody the true spirit of a hero,” Plano police said in a Facebook post. “His willingness to step in during a moment of crisis, despite having no personal connection to those involved, demonstrates an extraordinary level of courage and humanity. For these reasons, Darnell is being honored with the citizen hero award, a testament to his invaluable contribution to saving a life and making our community a safer place.”
Chief Drain concluded the ceremony by inviting Branch to consider applying for the Plano Police Department.
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