A man freed by police after being trapped under 3,000 pounds of metal last month met with the officers Wednesday to thank them.

  • Justin Kielbon trapped under heavy pallet March 19
  • Officer used a forklift to help get Kielbon free
  • Officers honored at monthly awards ceremony

Justin Kielbon was working at the Leggett & Platt warehouse on Distribution Drive in Tampa March 19 when a heavy pallet fell on him, pinning his legs. He called 911 and officers quickly arrived.

“If you guys weren't there, it would have been a lot different,” Kielbon told the officers. “I really appreciate it.”

Officer Chris Vernon used a forklift to lift the pallet off of Kielbon as Officers Jose Estrada and Mona Noble pulled him out.  Vernon had never driven a forklift before.

“I kind of played with it a little bit to see what levers do what,” said Vernon. “And at that point, I operated the forklift over to where he was at.”

All of the officers were honored at the Tampa Police Department’s monthly awards ceremony.

Kielbon has returned to work on light duty as he undergoes physical therapy for his injury.