Five Individuals of West Muskingum H.S. receive Civilian Award of Heroism

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio- Four recent graduated students of West Muskingum High School were presented a Civilian Award of Heroism by the Falls Township Volunteer Fire Department this morning.

Maintenance foreman Chris McPherson was trapped underneath a mower on May 26 during the school’s graduation practice and picnic. Maintenance employee Cody Kelley was the first to assist McPherson. In addition, four students, Connor Allison, Andrew Haag, Zach Strunk and Slade Bee ran down a hill to help.

The Falls Township F.D. respected what the five individuals did and presented them with an award, which they didn’t know they were receiving. 

“When the school reached out, they were placed in a position that not many get placed in and they chose to help another human being and it was the fire department’s position, that they risked their own selves, so they deserve to be recognized for their actions,” Falls Township Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Joe Hunt said.

As gasoline was leaking from the lawnmower, the five individuals didn’t hesitate and helped get the mower off McPherson. Luckily, no one was injured.

“It actually makes me proud to be a part of this community. I feel like I haven’t done a lot of community service and focused mostly on school work, but this whole situation makes me appreciate life in general a lot more as well,” West Muskingum High School graduate Slade Bee said.

“I’m very proud that our students would put themselves in danger in order to help another person. I’m proud that they are West Muskingum graduates but I’m even more proud that they’re going to be great citizens in the world,” West Muskingum High School Principal Laura Tompkins said.

Mcpherson said it meant everything to him that they were there since he was soaked in gasoline. Ha added that he was glad they all stepped up and helped him out.