First responders, law enforcement honored for lifesaving actions
From left to right: Trooper Trent Greebon, Amber Machetta-EMT Paramedic/Supervisor, Adam Jenschke-AEMT, Olivia Hennessey-EMT student, Jeffrey Jilson-EMT Paramedic, Shannon Griffin-EMS Director, Roger Baker-President Pipe Creek VFD, Chris Meyer-Pipe Creek Firefighter, and Brody Martin-Pipe Creek Firefighter stand at Commissioners Court to receive life-saving awards.
Local first responders and law enforcement were recently recognized with the Live-saving Award for saving a patient from a burning car following a July 12 accident on Hwy 16 S.
At the July 27 commissioners' court, EMS Director Shannon Griffin presented awards and certificates to Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Trent Greebon, Advanced EMT Adam Jenschke, EMT Paramedic Jeffrey Jilson and EMT Student Olivia Hennessey. Pipe Creek VFD President Roger Baker presnted to volunteer firefighters Chris Meyer and Brody Martin.
Griffin recalled, "As EMS responded to the scene, dispatch advised that there was a vehicle on fire with one patient entrapped. EMS arrived on scene to find the vehicle fire rapidly spreading while attempts were being made by DPS and PCVFD to extricate the patient. With quick-thinking and rapid collaboration from all departments, the patient was successfully pulled to safety.
The Lifesaving Award is given to department personnel who, by their immediate actions, have saved a human life under unusual and/or extraordinary circumstances.
"These first responders went above and beyond the call of duty without hesitation," said Griffin. "Due to their courageous and selfless acts, a life was saved that day. The Lifesaving Award is among the highest honors, and each of these individuals have been nominated for this award.”
"It took a lot of guts to do what they did that day," said President Baker. "We don’t all have that – jumpin’ up on the hood of that car and grabbing that victim out. We appreciate what they did.”