File #: 21-1656    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Passed
File created: 11/1/2021 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 11/16/2021 Final action: 11/16/2021
Title: Certificate of Commendation to Hiedi Johnston in Recognition of Having Earned the Carnegie Hero Medal (Supervisor Steve Madrone)
Sponsors: Steve Madrone
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. Certificate of Commendation .pdf

To: Board of Supervisors

From: Supervisor Steve Madrone

Agenda Section: Special Presentation

SUBJECT:
title
Certificate of Commendation to Hiedi Johnston in Recognition of Having Earned the Carnegie Hero Medal (Supervisor Steve Madrone)
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair to sign the Certificate

Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A

DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors would like to recognize a local Willow Creek resident, Hiedi Johnston, with a Certificate of Commendation, for her receiving the Carnegie Hero Medal.

Hiedi Johnston acted without hesitation after she saw a pickup truck speed into Humboldt Bay the afternoon of Jan. 2, 2021. The truck entered the 51-degree water and drifted away from shore with the outgoing tide. Hiedi Johnston climbed down the rocky shore, waded, and then swam to the truck. After the driver's window was lowered, Johnston hoisted herself partially through the opening and released the seat belt of the unresponsive 78-year-old driver. She then grasped the man's vest with both hands and pulled him out of the truck. Shortly the truck submerged completely, and Hiedi, with one arm around the man's upper body, stabilized herself on top of the truck's front end. A man swam out and joined her at the scene, helping to keep the driver afloat. Another man piloting a boat responded to the scene, helped all three aboard, and took them to safety.

Ms. Johnston was awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal in September as one of eighteen recipients this year for her heroic efforts. The Carnegie Hero Medal is given throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Carnegie Hero Medal is North America's highest honor for civilian heroism.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board's Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service ...

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