Local Residents Took Extraordinary Actions to Save Others

Thursday, May 19, 2011; 1 p.m.

County Executive’s Conference Room, Executive Office Building, 2nd floor, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville

County Executive Isiah Leggett and Fire Chief Richard Bowers will recognize a group of “everyday heroes” at a ceremony in Rockville. Several individuals will come together to be recognized for life-saving actions that occurred throughout the County in recent months. They will be joined by Council Member Phil Andrews.

The “heroes” include: 1) A truck driver who, on February 8, rescued a motorist from a burning vehicle at Shady Grove Road and Crabbs Branch Way. The driver was unable to escape the vehicle due to injuries sustained in the crash. 2) Three individuals who, on March 20, came to the rescue of their elderly neighbors who were trapped inside their burning home. The daughter of one of these heroes saw smoke and immediately summoned help. 3) At Violets Lock in Potomac, a resident who was in the area with binoculars, spotted a kayaker in the river, clinging to a tree and in obvious distress. After calling 911, he remained on the scene, encouraging the distressed and fatigued kayaker to continue to hold on until rescuers arrived.

Because of the quick thinking, decisive action and willingness of these “Everyday Heroes” to get involved, several people are alive today.

NOTE: Leggett will also be available to answer questions regarding the May 19 straw vote of the County Council on the FY 12 operating budget.

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