Hero feels that act saved him too
On July 18, 2016, I observed a multiple-vehicle traffic collision on a busy highway that resulted in two vehicles becoming engulfed in flames. Shortly after the collision occurred I was lucky enough to be able to extract one of the drivers, Ms. Kaarisa Karley, whose car was becoming more engulfed with flames ….
On that day in July I was suffering from an illness. This illness forced me to work on limited duty status that had me completely stressed out about losing my position of employment. I was going through a divorce that I didn’t want, which contributed to my finance problems as well. I had gone from a completely healthy, happy, and positive man to someone I barely knew. That said, when I drove away from the scene of the collision that evening, I knew I still had a purpose in the world. This was something I hadn’t felt in some years …
Today, I’m back to full duty status with my job and I’m in much better shape, both mentally and physically … I want to forward to all of you involved in nominating me my sincere gratitude. The Carnegie Medal I received will always tell a story of not just saving the life of one, but possibly two.
John David Smith, Issaquah, Wash.
Smith was awarded the Carnegie Medal in June 2017 for saving Karley from the burning vehicle in Snoqualmie Pass, Wash.
Hero becomes volunteer fire fighter
I would like to thank you for awarding me the Carnegie Medal and the monetary grant. I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award.
I am conflicted on accepting the monetary portion as I feel I did not earn it, I just acted out of kindness and was able to help someone in need. However given my financial situation your generosity and kindness is most appreciated.
Since the event I have been a volunteer fire fighter in our community for just over a year now. I hope to become a full-time fire fighter so I can continue to serve those in need …
All of you who contribute to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission do truly great things. Again, I am honored, thankful and humbled for your attention and generosity.
James Edward Giles, Terrace, B.C.
Giles was awarded the Carnegie Medal in December 2017 after rescuing two young children from a burning house Oct. 18, 2016 in Terrace.
Recognition provides closure, positivity despite lives lost
I would like to thank you all for the recognition and financial grant that you gave me for a lifesaving act that I was part of in November 2016.
For the past two years, I have focused so much on the two people who died in the crash that I have forgotten about the lives that were saved. Your recognition of me has really enabled me to move past that and remember those precious two young lives were saved.
I think of the family every day as I drive past the site on my way to work. My thoughts now lead me to a place where I can see two little girls growing up. Thank you.
I am honored to be recognized by you.
Karen Marie Mallon, Beulah, Mich.
Mallon saved a 13-day-old infant from burning in a vehicle that caught fire after an accident. Zachary J. Corey, who was also awarded the Carnegie Medal, rescued the baby’s 6-year-old sister from the car. Their mother and sister did not survive.
Appreciative message left on Hero Fund’s voicemail
I’m just a regular guy who lives in Albuquerque, N.M., and I just wanted to tell you how much the Carnegie Hero award — just knowing that it is there and following it — means to me. I feel like we live in a very cynical generation … how good [is it] to see people do such exceptional things — things that I hope I am the sort of person who would do.
I think … the Carnegie Hero award, it really does something that very few things do in our day in inspiring and encouraging us about what can be done by people.
I thought you should know that because I’m sure there’s a great mass of us out there who feel that way who would never take the time to call, so I’m going to represent them and say thank you for what you do and thank you for telling us the stories of the heroes that we as a people need to hear so we can know there is good in the world.
Chip Groover Albuquerque, N.M.
Related articles:
- Carnegie Medal presentation to Zachary J. Corey and Karen Marie Mallon
- Overheard: Impulse 55
- Zachary J. Corey and Karen Marie Mallon
- December 2017 edition of imPULSE
- Carnegie Medal presentation to John David Smith
- James Edward Giles
- John David Smith