Officer burned by ammonia recovering

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. - A Bayou la Batre police officer is back home after a routine call takes a near deadly turn. Officer Timothy Byrd's family considers him a hero.

During a routine patrol he stumbled across a dangerous anhydrous ammonia leak. His family fears what would have happened if Officer Byrd hadn't discovered it.

Tanya Byrd smiles when talking about her son Timothy. The 21 year old works the night shift for the Bayou la Batre police Department. A recent call proved just how dangerous a job that can be.

"The EMS called and said Tim had been involved in an accident and that they were about five to seven minutes out of USA hospital. My husband said, 'Is he conscious?," and they said, 'Yes, but we can't give you any more information,'" said Byrd.

Bayou la Batre police say Officer Byrd was patrolling the area around Bryant's Products when he spotted a hose near a tank of Anhydrous Ammonia. He'd thought someone was trying to steal it to make crystal meth.

That's when Officer Byrd got out of his patrol car for further inspection. It wasn't long before he realized the gas had gotten loose.

Officer Byrd came back to his patrol car but gas had already engulfed it, making matters worse. Tanya Byrd said her son was unable to talk but signaled for help using an emergency call button. His partner was there in no time.

"He knew he was in immediate danger, and tried to get out as fast as he could. The doctor said that's what saved his life," said Byrd.

And possible the lives of others living in area.

Anhydrous ammonia causes severe chemical burns. Body tissues that contain a high percentage of water, such as the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, are very easily burned. Officer Byrd will have to undergo several weeks of rehab before getting back behind the badge.

"He can see danger before I can. He's strong and he loves what he does. He loves being a police officer," said Byrd.

The Bayou la Batre Police Department said Hazmat crews determined the culprit behind the leak was a faulty valve.

Officer Byrd has been with the department for nearly a year.