City honors Life-saving efforts

BROKEN BOW Twelve people received recognition at Thursday evening’s Broken Bow City Council for their contributions in saving a life in November.

The 12 are: Broken Bow Ambulance service members Andy Holland, Brandi Hurlburt, Deputy Sheriff Lawrence Stump, Ahren Finney, David Baltz, Kacey Woodliff-Finney and Broken Bow Police Sgt. Shane Fiorelli

Off-Broadway Assisted Living Staff members Suzanne Glendy, Bev John

son, Laura Hendricks and Jamie Christen

Valley County Home Health staff member: Krista Osmond.

911 Dispatch: Andrew Swanson, Doug Drake.

Eleven of the life-savers received certificates and pins last Thursday. Hurlburt, Swanson and Drake were not present.

“Life saving means to bring someone back,” Broken Bow Emergency Services Director Andy Holland said, meaning to bring someone back who has no pulse. “It means CPR in progress.”

The incident that the 13 were recognized for occurred Nov. 4, 2020. Holland gave a credit to the staff at Off Broadway for their quick action, saying it made a difference. “The quick work of Off Broadway staff by identifying it and reacting with CPR helped a lot,” he said.

In presenting the award, City Administrator Dan Knoell recognized efforts of the ambulance service and the employees who were involved and all who respond to emergencies. “They do not think of themselves. Even during a pandemic, they choose to respond, to act,” he said.

Holland acknowledged that answering emergency calls during the COVID-19 pandemic adds another level of caution, saying, “It’s one thing we always have to worry about.”

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen expressed his appreciation, saying, “I’m extremely proud of these professionals who go above and beyond for our community.” Each person present received a certificate of appreciation from the mayor.

City Council member David Schmidt also gave high praise. “As a council member, it gives me a great deal of pride to see this happen somewhat frequently.”

In September, 2020, ten emergency responders were recognized for saving two lives during two separate calls in June, 2020.

“As a former EMT, I understand just how difficult this is,” Schmidt said. “Our first responders are making us proud.”

Mona Weatherly Several people were recognized at the Jan. 28 Broken Bow City Council meeting for their part in helping safe a life in Broken Bow on Nov. 4, 2020. Pictured front row, from left: Jamie Christen, Suzanne Glendy, Kacey Woodliff-Finney, Andy Holland and City Council member David Schmidt. Standing, from left, Bev Johnson, Krista Osmond, Laura Hendricks, Mayor Rod Sonnichsen, Deputy-Sheriff Lawrence Stump, David Baltz, Broken Bow Police Sgt. Shane Fiorelli and Ahren Finney. Not pictured: Brandi Hurlburt, Andrew Swanson and Doug Drake. See the congratulatory ad from the city on page A3.

Mona Weatherly Jamie Christen of Off-Broadway Assisted Living, left, receives a pin and congratulatory handshake from council member David Schmidt for her part in the life-saving actions Nov. 4, 2020.