TDOC: Northeast Correctional Complex officer credited with saving mother, two children from burning vehicle in Carter County crash

A corrections officer has been credited with rescuing a mother and two children from their burning vehicle following a wreck Friday night in Carter County.

Leon Odom, who works as a corrections officer at Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City, witnessed the accident on State Route 67. After the vehicle hit trees and burst into flames, Odom rushed to the wrecked car, jumped into the backseat and cut the car seat to get one child out before doing the same to rescue the second child. As the car was melting, Odom was able to get the unconscious woman out.

When a crisis hits, reacting with a cool, calm head is just part of the job for TDOC officers. Whether it is an…Posted by Tennessee Department of Correction on Tuesday, April 13, 2021

All three victims and Odom suffered severe burns but the Tennessee Department of Corrections says all are expected to make a full recovery.

Photo Courtesy: TDOC