(Cleveland) –During Monday’s White County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board along with White County Public Safety recognized three firefighters and five citizens for their heroic acts during two different emergencies recently in the county.
Three firefighters were recognized for their response during an October 6th Cardiac Arrest incident.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said around 5:00 a.m., October 6, Engine 2 was dispatched to a residence in reference to an elderly male who was experiencing difficulty in breathing. Once on scene, Fire personnel began obtaining vitals while awaiting arrival of White County Emergency Medical Service.
Murphy said, “ While obtaining vitals, the patient began to experience an apparent seizure. Once the patient finished seizing, Firefighter/Paramedic Lanier Swafford noticed the patient was no longer breathing and in cardiac arrest. Fire personnel immediately began CPR. After a full round of CPR, the patient began to breathe and regained a pulse.
The patient was promptly transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and had regained consciousness prior to arrival at the hospital.
Murphy said, “Today, the patient is in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation recovering and focusing on regaining strength.” Commission Chairman Travis Turner commented on behalf of the board, “When it comes to our first responders, we have the best here in White County. This is not only a job to them, but it’s a calling”
The following White County Fire Services personnel were presented with a certificate of Lifesaving Commendation: Firefighter/Paramedic Lanier Swafford, Firefighter Lon Gilbert, and Firefighter Candice Humphries.
Left to right (top) Commissioner Terry Goodger, Commissioner Craig Bryant, Commissioner Edwin Nix, Commissioner Lyn Holcomb, (bottom) Chairman Travis Turner, Firefighter/Paramedic Lanier Swafford, Firefighter Lon Gilbert, Firefighter Candice Humphries Photo White County Public Safety
Next five citizens were recognized for their actions during an October 8 residential explosion/fire on Gunn Circle.
Director Murphy, said “We are so blessed to live in a community where our friends and neighbors still look out for each other. If it was not for the quick actions of these men, we would be telling a different story this evening.”
According to Murphy, the men were nearby when the explosion happened and immediately went into action. They successfully located the family of three trapped in the blaze and extricated them from the debris. Their rescue efforts inevitably saved lives and prevented that night from ending in tragedy.
The family involved in the explosion was present at the commission meeting and Kelsi McClellon, mother and wife of the family shared her feelings, “All I can say is ‘Thank You.’ We had tried every way to get out and we just kept hitting fire. Thank you.”
The following men were presented with the Neighborhood Hero Award: Ryan London, Will London, Tony Hooper, Wayne Lovell, and Colt Stovall. The Board of Commissioners and Public Safety officials then presented the five individuals with the “Neighborhood Hero Awards for their actions.
Left to right (top) Commissioner Terry Goodger, Commissioner Craig Bryant, Commissioner Edwin Nix, Commissioner Lyn Holcomb, (bottom) Chairman Travis Turner, Colt Stovall, Wayne Lovell, Will London, Ryan London, Tony Hooper, Kelsi, and Clarke McClellon. Photo White County Public Safety
The Commissioners and Public Safety extended their deepest appreciation to all eight individuals for their commitment to the safety and well-being of their friends, neighbors, and the community they serve.
