Lifeguards honored for help in bicycle-car accident
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WESTFIELD - Two lifeguards have been honored by the local police for their assistance in a bicycle accident.
On July 30, around noon the Westfield Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle and a child bicyclist on Union Street in the village.
Prior to the arrival of emergency responders, Phin Rogers and Addison Luce, who witnessed
the incident immediately came to the aid of the injured child.
"Without hesitation or direction, they utilized the training and experience they had acquired as lifeguards with the Village of Westfield Welch Field Program to provide care, comfort, and reassurance to the victim," police said in a post on Facebook. "Remaining calm under pressure, they comforted the frightened child, shielded him from the sun with umbrellas, placed towels beneath his head for support, and respectfully covered his injured legs with a blanket while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical personnel."
Phin and Addison also used their familiarity with the child through the Welch Field Program to quickly contact the child’s parent.
"Their efforts enabled the child to speak with a parent during a traumatic and frightening event while ensuring the family was promptly notified of the incident," police said. "The selfless actions of Phin Rogers and Addison Luce were performed without regard for personal recognition or reward. Their initiative, sound judgment, compassion, and professionalism provided comfort and reassurance to an injured child during a critical incident and exemplify the highest ideals of community service, civic responsibility, and public service."
The Westfield Police Department awarded the Civilian Commendation to Phin J. Rogers and Addison C. Luce.