The City of Columbia in partnership with T.J. Health-Columbia held the first Spirit of Columbia recognition program on Friday, recognizing local first responders.
The program was well attended by community and members of various emergency service organizations.
The Adair County Band played the National Anthem and the ROTC provided the Presentation of Colors.
The awards given all stemmed from an accident that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024, except for the final award to former Sheriff Josh Brockman.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Rich Storm gave an emotional speech. Commissioner Storm was at the accident scene with Colonel Jeremy McQueary. When McQueary started to the scene, Storm said his first thought was to stay back.
“We are not first responders,” he said. Yet McQueary was adamant that they needed to respond. He turned out to be highly instrumental in saving a life.
“If we had been five minutes later, one fire extinguisher short, one person short, without the man with the chain or the person with the final fire extinguisher, that man would not have gotten out of the fire,” Commissioner Storm said.
Those who were recognized all played a crucial role in saving the life of the pickup truck driver, Jason Stotts.
Firefighter Elizabeth True-Mitcham stopped for what she initially thought was a stalled vehicle. Tommy Kemp was also a passerby who stopped to assist.
Officer Megan Arnold was in route to Lindsey Wilson College to recruit for Louisville Metro Police when she came upon the accident.
Firefighter Charles Esch was nearby and responded immediately in his personal vehicle.
They were all recognized for their heroic actions.
Each of these individuals were willing to put their lives in danger to save another’s.
According to Mayor Pam Hoots, when discussions began about hosting an award ceremony, they also wanted to recognize an individual who had dedicated their life to public service. Retired Sheriff Josh Brockman was the first recipient of this award.
By Amy Pike
newsroom2@adairvoice.com
