Chugach Outlet
July/August 2001, Number 193

Chugach employees Hodge and O'Brien receive Lifesaver Awards

Foreman, Maintenance and Operations, Joe Hodge and Utility Arborist Chris O'Brien along with about 30 others received Lifesaver Awards May 29 from the Anchorage Fire Department. The event recognized citizens who participated in the care and rescue of others.

From left Joe Hodge, William Jaso, Chris O'Brien

Hodge and O'Brien helped assist in the rescue of William Jaso who had a bicycle accident at Kincaid Park Nov. 20. Hodge and O'Brien were waved down by runners in the park and asked to help a man who was injured and hypothermic as the runners were not equipped to and didn't know how to assist the man. The accident occurred on one of the trails about one-quarter mile off the road.

When Hodge and O'Brien arrived at the scene they found Jaso lying in mud, water and ice. While he was able to talk he was in a lot of pain and unable to walk or move because of his injuries.

Hodge and O'Brien called 911 and directed rescue personnel to the site and stayed with Jaso, covering him with coats and talking to him until rescue personnel arrived and took him to Alaska Regional Hospital.

Others who received LifeSaver Awards included victims and teachers from the Mountain View Elementary School incident in April and two men who rescued a Police Officer from a burning police vehicle.

Mayor George Wuerch, Fire Chief John Fullenwider, Police Chief Walt Monegan and Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau presented the awards.