Firefighters honored for rescue of autistic teen

Feb. 15--Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold presented commendations Tuesday to six Beckley firefighters for saving the life an autistic 17-year-old boy on Feb. 3 near Fitzpatrick Park.

Capt. Edward C. Wills recommended to Fire Chief Ed Wills that the firefighters be recognized; Chief Wills carried the request to the mayor.

Lt. Brian Williams was off-duty when he assisted in the search effort for the boy, who had been reported missing through Project Lifesaver.

Williams saw the boy in waist-deep water. When he called to the boy, the boy walked toward him and became submerged in the water at least twice, Capt. Wills wrote in his letter of recommendation to the chief.

Williams began crossing a nearby trestle to save the boy.

"With no regard for his own safety, Lt. Williams crossed the trestle, gripping the sides of the railcars while moving along a short, ice-laden ledge," Wills wrote. "Once across, Williams directed the victim toward the creek bank and pulled him out of the water."

"Of all the resources on scene that day, Lt. Williams was the most vital one," stated Wills. "His quick actions and selflessness undoubtedly saved the victim's life."

The mayor presented Williams with a Medal of Valor.

Firefighter Bo Cook, who had stayed late to help with the search, also risked his life by crossing the same trestle with blankets and hot packs. Rappold awarded Cook a Medal of Bravery.

Firefighter First Class Mike Segars delivered rescue equipment and supplies and assembled a rope system with a Stokes basket to send across the creek. He then crawled the length of the trestle underneath the rail cars to deliver the Stokes basket and helped prepare the victim for rescue. Segars controlled the movement of the Stokes basket on the train tracks, while crossing the trestle to safety. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

Wills credited Lt. Chris Lanna with expanding the Project Lifesaver program over the past two years. The program provided early notification of the missing teen and his previous locations.

Lanna was incident commander of the search and rescue effort on Feb. 3.

"Lt. Lanna was faced with extraordinary adversity, including inclement weather, a blocked path of ingress and egress, and limited initial resources," Wills wrote. "Despite these obstacles, a life was saved under his command."

Lanna was awarded the Exceptional Duty Medal.

Firefighter Ryan Arthur and Lt. Brian Trump were also awarded medals for their assistance in saving the life of the victim.

News of the rescue made it to Charleston, and Gov. Jim Justice wrote certificates of commendation to each firefighter. Rappold presented those to the men, too.

Each firefighter was presented with a ceremonial medal. The city has ordered authentic medals, the mayor said.

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