BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County Fire Rescue Chief Ben Carter recently commended a few individuals — both private citizens and first responders — for their involvement in heroic and even lifesaving situations.
First was a headline-grabbing rescue during Tropical Storm Debbie for a driver trapped in a submerged vehicle. When rescue arrived on the scene, bystanders were already at work freeing the driver.
“Their heroic efforts succeeded in bringing the patient to the surface, where one of our firefighters rushed into the water to help bring the patient to shore,” he said. Assisted by a former Bradford County firefighter-EMT, rescue personnel began CPR and other lifesaving measures.
“While the patient tragically succumbed to their injuries later at the hospital, it’s essential to recognize that because of these combined efforts, the patient’s heart was restarted at the scene. She was alive upon arrival at the hospital, providing them with the best chance of survival possible.” Carter said.
“This incident underscores the dedication of our community and our fire-rescue personnel, while we are deeply saddened by the loss of life, the actions of these individuals ensure that the patient had every chance of survival possible. The actions of these heroic bystanders serve as a testament to the power of community and the strength of ordinary citizens in extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the teamwork displayed by our fire rescue team was remarkable to watch.”
Carter introduced Clint Ripley, who pulled the driver from the vehicle; Aaron Crews, the former Bradford County firefighter-EMT who performed CPR; and Jonathan Sweat, another bystander in the water assisting the rescue. He also introduced Bradford firefighter-EMTs who responded to the scene: Joel Haas, John Tallman, Dakota Drummond, McKenzie Pederson and Jensen Stewart.
Carter also discussed a Aug. 26 response that he said “highlights the spirit of our community and the professionalism of Bradford County Fire Rescue as well as Starke Fire Rescue.”
A grandmother waiting with her grandchildren at the bus stop, Sharon Coston, suffered a heart attack. Alerted by her daughter, Kimber, Jennifer Redding, another bystander who also happens to be a registered nurse, began CPR. This critical early intervention ultimately saved Coston’s life, Carter said He added when fire-rescue personnel arrived on scene, they executed their duties with skill, speed and precision.
“The teamwork displayed by county and city fire rescue was nothing short of outstanding. It was a textbook demonstration of the level of dedication and expertise that we work hard to maintain in Bradford County,” Carter said.
Coston is like family, he added, making the rescue even more poignant for him.
“When I arrived on the scene and realized who it was, this one hit home, I witnessed firsthand how the quick actions of a bystander, and the impeccable response of our team made all the difference. As the fire chief, I’m proud to lead such a capable and compassionate group of professionals and extend my deepest gratitude to both the bystander and our fire rescue crews for their extraordinary work.”
Carter introduced Coston as well as her grandchildren, Jordan Scott and Ariana Hadley, who called 911 to report the emergency.
He also introduced Bradford paramedic McKenzie Pederson, firefighter-EMT Jensen Stewart, EMT Clint Collins, Lt. Ashley Reul, Lt. Jason Hersey, and Lt. Ashley Moore and engineer Kelly Outlay, both with Starke Fire Rescue.
Coston thanked everyone involved. She said the measures required to save her were “extraordinary.”
“I can’t tell you how valuable it is to have a community where people really work together, and we have so many resources that people don’t even recognize how significant it is,” she said.
Coston said she would like to educate the public about the importance to teaching children how to respond in such emergencies.
“I was fortunate that my grandchildren reacted in a smart way as young as they are,” she said. “They had the strength and the smarts to get the right kind of help. And thank God that he put Jenny at the bus stop that day.”
“I’m very grateful for all the first responders,” she added. “I know some of you and have watched you grow up. Some of you, I don’t know, but you are angels to me.”
