Several recognized for lifesaving actions following July 8 crash

During a Monday, July 18, City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Renner and council recognized Breydon Boston, Peyton Orr, Jennifer Orr, Mackenzie Wert and Larry Lewis for their actions which public safety officials say saved the life of a Preble County resident trapped in his burning truck following a crash on Friday morning, July 8. 

Mayor Renner read the following proclamation and presented copies to each of the honored individuals:

WHEREAS On the morning of July 8, 2022, at approximately 8:53 a.m., a vehicle crashed into a utility pole and tree in front of the Orr’s residence, and the truck came to rest on its side, with the driver trapped inside; and

WHEREAS Hearing the crash, Breyden Boston and his brother Preston Orr, along with friend Makenzie Wert and their mother Jennifer Orr, rushed outside to find the crash; and

WHEREAS A fire had begun in the vehicle by this time, Breyden and Preston began lifesaving measures, hitting the windshield with rocks to break and remove it, and retrieving a knife for the occupant to cut away his seatbelt; and

WHEREAS Once they had room to pull the occupant out, they attempted to do so but his leg was caught, and Jennifer and Makenzie began to help pull the occupant of the truck out of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS A passerby named Larry Lewis stopped and began to help as well, despite the dangerous heat of the fire which completely melted away the sole of his right shoe while he was pulling the driver out; and

WHEREAS They were able to free the occupant, identified as Mike Worley, and moved him to safety before the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames;

THEREFORE, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor Joe Renner, on behalf of the City of Eaton, do hereby wish to honor and recognize Breyden Boston, Peyton Orr, Jennifer Orr, Makenzie Wert and Larry Lewis for their heroic actions taken to help save the life of fellow Preble County resident Mike Worley, on Friday, July 8, 2022.

Eaton Fire & EMS Chief Brian Smith presented each of them with EFD challenge coins to commemorate their actions, and Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson was on hand to recognize them on behalf of the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association.