The Allegany County Commissioners, Michael W. McKay, Creade V. Brodie, Jr., and William R. Valentine, honored and saluted three Allegany County heroes, S. Ashley Highland, Edward Steven Wilkinson, and Richard G. Wolford, Jr., at
a special ceremony.  Each individual was recognized for his life saving actions to help Victoria Stefan Watt of Clinton, Ohio on June 27, 2011.

This is a true story with a happy ending. Mrs. Watt and her elderly mother, Mrs. Betty Light, were traveling through Allegany County en route to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Mrs. Watt had a cardiac medical emergency. Mr. Highland, as an employee of the Comfort Inn in LaVale, managed Mrs. Watt’s unexpected situation, called 911, alerted the victim’s husband in Ohio, and cared for Mrs. Light as well. Mr. Wilkinson is the LaVale Rescue Squad volunteer who stabilized and supported Mrs. Watt at the scene and en route to the hospital and who, incidentally, shares a July 4 birthday with her. Mr. Wolford is the professional behind the scenes at the Allegany County 911 Joint Communications Center who orchestrated the dispatch of emergency medical care to help Mrs. Watt.

Mrs. Watt, after four days of medical care in Allegany County, was able to drive home to Ohio with her mother. Mrs. Watt continued to remember the experience and wished to recognize these three heroes.  In July, she telephoned President McKay. This week Mrs. Watt, rested and well, and Mrs. Light returned, now as special friends of Allegany County, to express appreciation. In addition to the County Commissioners, Allegany County Administrator David A. Eberly, and Richard L. DeVore, Allegany County Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security, represented Allegany County Government.

Each honoree received this citation: _“Encore for a Hero Award: Be it hereby known to all The Board of Commissioners highly commend S. Ashley Highland, Edward Steven Wilkinson, and Richard G. Wolford, Jr., in recognition for life saving actions to help Victoria Stefan Watt of Clinton Ohio, June 27, 2011, utilizing head, hands, and heart, demonstrating competency, common sense, and compassion. Forever a Hero. Thank You! Congratulations! August 22, 2011, County Commissioners of Allegany County, Maryland, President Michael W. McKay, Commissioner Creade V. Brodie, Jr., and Commissioner William R. Valentine.” _

All honorees were extraordinarily humble. Mr. Highland stated that any individual would help another person in distress. Mr. Wilkinson accepted the honor on behalf of all volunteers. Mr. Wolford acknowledged the team effort and camaraderie of his fellow employees at the 911 Joint Communications Center.

NOTE: In addition to the LaVale Rescue Squad, Mr. Wilkinson’s volunteerism also includes serving on the Allegany County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Committee and the EMS Quality Assurance Committee.

During the ceremony, Mr. DeVore spoke about 911and acknowledged Allegany County Government’s appreciation for the EMS, fire and rescue volunteers, true good Samaritans, who give of themselves without any compensation whatsoever to help fellow human beings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This time the system performed at 100%: an alert individual promptly calling 9 -1 -1, a devoted volunteer squad swiftly responding and providing emergency medical care, and the professional dispatcher, calmly managing behind the scenes. These heartfelt sentiments were also shared by President McKay who referred to the “home run” as he introduced the honorees.

Victoria Stefan Watt, a genuine, gracious individual, offered the highest of praise for all involved. She credited Highland, Wilkinson, and Wolford, with saving her life. She expressed her true, deep appreciation for Allegany County and the wonderful people here. During her words of appreciation Mrs. Watt also acknowledged two audience members: Mr. Kenneth L. May, locally recognized as an esteemed, long time devoted volunteer of LaVale Rescue Squad, for driving the ambulance and Pamela D. Highland, Mr. Highland’s mother, for offering dinner after her hospitalization.

Red, white, and blue bunting welcomed the honorees, their families, and friends to the Allegany County Office Building, on Monday afternoon, August 22, 2011. The special ceremony was held in the County Commissioner’s Meeting
Room. A social hour with lots of smiles, hugs, and tears, as well as light refreshments concluded the afternoon. Not surprisingly, the new friendships will continue as Mr. Wilkinson and his wife, Sharon L. Leasure, plan to visit Mrs. Watt next summer during their trip to Ohio for the Law Dogs National Rally.