MONROE — Someone called 911 in November to say that a woman was walking on railroad tracks in the area of Albain Road, near South Telegraph Road in Monroe Township.

When Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Alec Preadmore arrived at the scene, a 67-year-old woman was sitting on the tracks, he said.

He then saw the crossing gates come down.

“It was starting to ding and everything,” the deputy said.

He rushed from his vehicle, grabbed her from behind, and pulled her from the tracks right before the train passed them.

“I didn’t know where the train was or how long it was going to be until it got us,” he said.

The deputy and the rest of the sheriff’s office later discovered he stopped the woman from committing suicide.

For jumping into action without a moment's hesitation and saving her just in the nick of time, Deputy Preadmore, 28, received the National Sheriffs’ Association Medal of Merit. The award is given to men and women in law enforcement who’ve made positive contributions to their communities.

On top of receiving the Medal of Merit, Deputy Preadmore also received a life saving award from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for his quick response.

The deputy was presented with the award by Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough March 13.

“He’s top notch,” the sheriff said. 

Lt. Brian Quinn, the deputy’s supervisor who nominated him for the award, said he’s proud of the “outstanding deputy” for reacting immediately without fully understanding the circumstance.

He said the deputy’s actions reflect those of any first responder, be it in law enforcement or emergency medical services.

“Our job is to protect life, property, and to help the citizens of the county of Monroe,” Lt. Quinn said. “This is what we do. We react to [situations] not knowing the circumstances. With Deputy Preadmore getting out of his car, going on those train tracks, knowing that the arms came down, we have to understand that Deputy Preadmore put his life in jeopardy. You might hear the bells and the gates coming down but... you’re focused on the person. Deputy Preadmore putting his life in danger to save the life of another is noteworthy.” 

Deputy Preadmore has been working at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He started as a correctional officer when he was 18 before going to the academy.

“Someday he’ll exceed his dad. If I could clone him eight times, I’d be in good shape,” Sheriff Goodnough said.

The deputy decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, Chief Deputy Michael Preadmore, who’s worked at the sheriff’s office for 22 years.

“I saw him come home with a patrol car and all of his equipment,” he said. “He was on the SWAT team, too. I always thought that was the coolest thing ever, just seeing all the equipment he had. It was definitely something I wanted to do. I’m working on the road now. I’m on the SWAT team so now I have that cool equipment.”

When he heard about what his son had done, Chief Deputy Preadmore said, he was proud but not surprised.

“When I heard, I truly didn’t expect anything different,” the elder Preadmore said. “I’ve been with him his whole life. That’s how he was raised. When someone needs help or is in need, he’s going to spring forward and do what he needs to do to help.”

First Published March 20, 2025, 7:52 p.m.