Oroville Mercury-Register - Highway 149 Rescuers Honored

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Firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement, and construction crews were honored for their rescue efforts that helped save two people injured after the false work collapsed on Highway 149 on July 31.

United States Representative John Doolittle stood before these rescuers at Cal Fire/Butte County Fire Headquarters and read his official, declaratory statement. And, a printed, framed copy was then awarded to each person in attendance who participated in the rescue.

Doolittle read out loud, "On behalf of the residents of the Butte County area, I would like to extend my admiration and heartfelt thanks for putting your own lives at risk to help rescue two individuals injured on the day of the collapse of the Oroville bridge.

"On the morning of July 31, you were suddenly thrown into a precarious situation, when a portion of the Highway 149 overpass abruptly collapsed. Without forethought to your own safety, you took it upon yourself and helped in the rescue of construction worker Jeffrey Doll and FedEx driver Robert Sylvester. The diligent effort by you that morning helped save lives and prevented a terrible situation from turning tragic. I extend to you my appreciation for your bravery that day and for your service to the community." --John T. Doolittle, U.S. Representative

Cal Fire's paramedic/firefighter Chad Porter stayed with Sylvester while he was trapped inside the FedEx truck that was crushed underneath two pillars.

"I'm very grateful for the successful rescue of Mr. Sylvester," Porter said. "I have three kids and I learned he has three kids too. It's hard to express how happy you feel when you have a successful rescue and know that person will have another day to spend with their loved ones. It's the most rewarding part of this job. And, I know Mr. Doll is still recovering from injuries and he is in our thoughts and prayers too."

Sylvester expressed his appreciation for the rescue personnel. "This is about them (the rescuers) and to honor them. I'm so impressed at what they do. You don't think about them in your day-to-day life. I now have a new-found respect and appreciation for firefighters, police, and paramedics," he said.

Special awards of recognition for their rescue efforts went to: CHP Officer Mike Ticknor, Caltrans employees Dave Clark, Matt Solano, Randie Babbini, Tony English; and FCI Constructors, Inc. employees Jason Wright, Jim Deatherage, Svan Clausen, Randy Singh.

Other personnel and agencies receiving special recognition and honor for their participation in the rescue effort were: Cal Fire-Butte County Fire (Battalion Chief George Morris), Enloe Medical and Enloe FlightCare (Neal Cline), Oroville Fire Department (Deputy Chief Nathan Trauernicht), Chico Fire Department (Division Chief Keith Carter), First Responder (Mike Weber), CHP (Lt. Steve Dowling), and Oroville Hospital (Leslie Mann).

"I am grateful we have these kinds of organizations and people and thankful no one was killed and all will recover," Doolittle ended

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