Redmond EMS honors tennis team
Rockmart’s boy’s tennis team was given a spotlight during the recent underclassmen honors night, but the medals they received weren’t for winning the Elite Eight playoff. Marty Robinson, Redmond Regional Medical Center’s EMS director, recognized the men for their heroic actions of saving the life of a car crash victim.
Each player — as well as the coaches — were marked as heroes by the medals hanging from their necks. A plaque commemorating their actions was also given to the team before their peers applauded during the May 22 ceremony. It was just one of the latest honors the team
“No one in here, unless you have been living under a rock, isn’t familiar with this act,” Robinson said. “Seven young men had the opportunity of a lifetime. A defining moment. A moment they will never forget. It was in that moment these seven young men made a decision to act. After witnessing a horrific accident that left a man trapped under his truck, severely injured and in pain, these young men realized something had to be done.”
Since the players were the first responders, the awards were distributed on behalf of Redmond. Emergency medical services can’t teleport to the scene of an accident, so the hospital wasted no time awarding locals that took the initiative to help.
“I believe we are sometimes put in places and under (crisis) circumstances,” Robinson said. “It is what we do in those times — in those moments that shape who we are. Those young men reacted with bravery and resolve, under the guidance of Tim Malone and others, to lift the pick-up off of that man so he could move to safety. A moment they will never forget.”
The coaches present were lifting and helping just as hard as students during the May 1 accident, and it was only after everyone worked together that two victims were airlifted to the hospital by U.S Army helicopters. Redmond made sure their actions weren’t forgotten.
“I want to also mention coach Kent Matthis and coach Berry Owens,” Robinson added. “As parents, we instill values in our children- teach them right from wrong, but some of the most memorable life lessons are learned from those who wear the title of coach. Those two men are no different. This community is thankful for men like these to mentor, coach, and teach our children.”
While the ceremony offered the team physical recognition for the rescue, the group has been making waves on various news sources and publications.
Fox 5 Atlanta gave the crew television airtime, and there’s no telling what the future holds for Rockmart’s newest heroes. The Rockmart City Council and the Board of Education have also previously honored the team.