Limestone Fire Chief, Others
Recognized for Actions Following Accident


LIMESTONE – Two men trapped in a motor vehicle accident are still alive today, and it’s thanks to the quick, courageous efforts of three men who knew they could make a difference.

On October 11, 2011, Jeremy Ellis and Josh Rhow, were traveling on Interstate 86 near Salamanca on their way to work when they saw a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident, and they stopped to help.

“The vehicles were blocking I-86. We saw one vehicle was on fire when we got there,” Jeremy said.

Josh added, “I'm an outgoing person, and I'll help anyone. It didn't look like too many people were there.”

Limestone Volunteer Fire Chief and EMT Michael Soper said he was traveling westbound on the interstate near the SalamancaAllegany Casino when he heard the Seneca Nation’s call for a two-car motor vehicle accident with entrapment. He called dispatch, learned the location of the crash, turned around and headed eastbound toward the Red House exit.

“I was in the area, the nature of the call was serious, and I thought I could help out,” Mr. Soper said.

Upon arriving at the scene, Mr. Soper said he saw a huge ball of fire, a red pickup truck in the passing lane with heavy damage, and that the SUV engulfed in flames also sustained heavy damage.

“At that time, I assumed that the passenger or passengers of the SUV were dead with a good possibility that the driver of the pickup may also have been killed,” he said.

Upon talking to the Sheriff’s Deputy, Mr. Soper learned both passengers had been removed from the vehicles and that several individuals had covered the victims with tarps and coats to keep them warm.

“I started to do triage on the two patients and asked others to help with various things and to hold stabilization. All the bystanders did a terrific job of helping out and doing whatever was asked of them,” Mr. Soper said, noting he was really impressed by Josh Rhow and Jeremy Ellis, both employees of CATCO, and learned that the two men helped remove the victims from their cars.

“They both said they saw flames coming up past the face of the SUV victim and, in their words, ‘They weren’t going to let these guys die,’” Mr. Soper explained.

Jeremy and Josh both said they recognized the seriousness of the accident and instantaneously decided to help in whatever way they could.

“It came down to seconds, and I'm just grateful that I was there to help,” Josh said.

Jeremy added, “It was like it was unreal. Everything happened so fast. Hopefully somebody would do that if the same thing happened to me.”

During an event at Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) presented the New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Jeremy Ellis, Josh Rhow, and Limestone Volunteer Fire Chief and EMT Michael Soper, for the swift, selfless steps they took to ensure the safety of those involved in the accident on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

“These men had no duty to assist in this horrific accident, yet they selflessly came to the aid of those involved. The actions they took to remove their neighbors from harm are heroic and worthy of special recognition. I am honored to present these medals to three men who selflessly came to the aid of those in need,” Senator Young said.

Mr. Soper added, “These guys – Jeremy and Josh – had no ties and no training, and they stopped to help and pulled the other guys out. They did a great job, and it’s nice for them to get recognized for what they did.”

Chris Baker, Director of Emergency Medical Services and City Fire Coordinator, said Mr. Soper also is deserving of the Liberty Medal because of his role in the accident.

“It’s a true credit to him. His actions, calmness, ability to relax the individuals present at the scene and do what he’s trained to do really put the package together and made things better,” Mr. Baker said.

“We’re not in this for the glory but because we want to help people, and I think that’s true of the two other gentlemen who helped. It’s a pleasure to have people out there and it’s great we can acknowledge it because some forget what goes on, even in the volunteer world. A lot of people do this on a daily basis and it’s a good thing to have them out there,” Mr. Baker added.

Josh and Jeremy acknowledged that they chose to help, not for the recognition, but because they hoped someone would do the same thing for them.

“If it’s life-threatening, you do the best you can to help the person. I didn't expect to be awarded for something that should have been done,” Jeremy said.

“Just knowing they were all right was thank-you enough,” Josh added.

The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was created in 2000. Similar to the National Congressional Gold Medal, the Liberty Medal is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

Pictured, Senator Catharine Young presented Liberty Medals (left to right) to Jeremy Ellis, Josh Rhow and Limestone Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Soper for their actions in response to a motor vehicle accident on Interstate I-86 between Salamanca and Red House on Tuesday, October 21, 2011. Fire Coordinator Chris Baker (right) also attended the event. The Liberty Medal is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

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Comments

DT Dave said…
GREAT JOB! Thanks to ALL of OUR Volunteers!

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