Friday 29th March 2024

national-service-award-2

An area has received the Ready Communities National Service Award for actions taken during a train derailment in 2022.

In response to the June 27, 2022 train derailment with over 200 passengers and crew near rural Mendon, Missouri of Chariton County, many volunteer and emergency response professionals (including police officers, firefighters, medical professionals, air ambulance services) provided what was needed including comfort, life-saving medical care, transportation assistance, and meals; beginning with Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Covington, Firefighter Joseph Disciacca and over a dozen Appleton, Wisconsin-based Boy Scouts who were aboard at the time of the derailment. At the behest of Chariton County Emergency Management officials, Northwestern R-1 School Superintendent, Eric Hoyt, established a triage center with the help of many volunteers including students and restauranteurs.

Hoyt traveled to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Northwestern R-I and Chariton County communities to receive the Ready Communities National Service Award on May 24. Congressman Sam Graves attended to receive the award as a representative of the community. The award is displayed in the Northwestern trophy case for viewing.

Photo courtesy of CCROA