Tenn. First Responders to be Honored

July 31--State legislators announced Wednesday they will honor a group of first responders who helped save the life of a 2-year-old girl who nearly drowned in a swimming pool in April.

The ceremony will be part of the grand opening of the new Wilson County Emergency Management Agency Station 1 set for Thursday at 10 a.m.

On April 11, Addilyn Gray, of Wilson County, was airlifted to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt after her mother found her face down in the family pool. The young girl was in and out of consciousness during the flight to Vanderbilt, where she stayed for the next 12 days before making a full recovery.

Those honored will be sheriff's Deputy Jason Anderson; dispatcher Megan McMahon; WEMA Chief Shannon Cooper; shift commander Lee Bowling; Lt. Terry Bilbrey; EMT-IV Josh Collins; EMT-IV Brandon Owens; paramedic Kyle Davis; Vanderbilt LifeFlight crew registered nurse Sheldon Dreddy; paramedic Grant Reatherford; and pilot Peter Patton.

"I am so thankful that Addilyn has made a full recovery from her accident, and much of the credit for her still being with us goes to the rescue workers," said state Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet. "We are so lucky and blessed to have such great public servants in this community."

A proclamation, which was signed by the legislators to honor the Wilson County Sheriff's Office and WEMA ambulance and rescue personnel, will be presented and given to the local Station 1 office during the grand opening.

"This proclamation is just a small token to show our appreciation for the work of the first responders in acting quickly to save this young child's life," said state Rep. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon.

The new fire station is at 371 Maddox-Simpson Pkwy. in Lebanon, and will house a fire engine, ambulance and brush truck. Finger foods and refreshments will be provided at the unveiling ceremony.

Copyright 2014 - The Lebanon Democrat, Tenn.