FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Reunion of Appreciation
12/2000 -- Chardon Village, Ohio
On the warm summer afternoon of July 22, 2000, four teenagers from the
Youngstown area were headed home from an afternoon of fun at Pioneer Waterland
Park. The return trip turned tragic when the driver, Deanna, went through
a stop sign. Their car was broad-sided by a large pickup truck at the
intersection of Chardon-Windsor & Kile Road, killing her two friends
Samantha and Renee. Deanna and her trapped friend Heidi were extricated
from the car, and subsequently Lifeflighted to area hospitals. It took
over 75 minutes to extricate Heidi, who suffered a stroke on the operating
table, as well as punctured lungs, a badly broken leg, and a severe head
injury. She remembers nothing of the events that day, but has made a full
recovery.
After making a full recovery, both survivors and their families recently
requested a meeting to thank the fire and EMS workers who pulled them from the
car that summer day. As some of the workers could not attend, Heidi
attended yet another meeting in Chardon, to thank more of the rescue
workers. Each of the rescue workers received a small guardian angel pin to
remind them of the lives they impacted that day. The pictures of those
emotional meetings are shown above. We are so glad to have witnessed the
recovery of these two young ladies, and wish them the best in their bright
future.
The year 2000 was a tough year for the members of the Chardon Fire
Department, as we experienced MANY fatalities and serious accidents
involving young people. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of life
and property this past year. Yet, we are hopeful for a less tragic year in
2001. Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones. It is so very difficult for us to work so hard to save
lives, and come out on the losing end of that battle. We truly take it
personally.
We urge our readers to wear their seatbelts, avoid hazardous or
risky behaviors, and encourage loved ones to do the same. Let's not meet
by accident !!
-The members of the Chardon Fire
Department
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Internet: Capt. John Blauch
