Leetonia recognizes six for acts of heroism
Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida prepares to present a letter of commendation on behalf of the village to Ptl. John Hancock, who is back on duty after suffering serious injuries on the job in October 2024. Despite his injuries, Hancock managed to not only maintain his composure but keep assailant from gaining control of his duty weapon, eventually getting the man to the ground and handcuffing him before collapsing as backup arrived from Columbiana, State Highway Patrol and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
At left, civilian Patti Schaeffer receives her letter of commendation from Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida, as Erich Ritz looks on. Schaeffer, former police officer Ritz and Sgt. William Webb were recognized Wednesday night at council for their efforts to save the occupants of a vehicle that had become stuck on the railroad tracks after an accident in May 2024. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
At right, Sgt. William Webb listens as Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida reads his letter of commendation stemming from a May 2024 incident, where he, a fellow officer and a civilian saved an elderly couple whose vehicle had become wedged on the railroad tracks after an accident. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida prepares to present a letter of commendation on behalf of the village to Ptl. John Hancock, who is back on duty after suffering serious injuries on the job in October 2024. Despite his injuries, Hancock managed to not only maintain his composure but keep assailant from gaining control of his duty weapon, eventually getting the man to the ground and handcuffing him before collapsing as backup arrived from Columbiana, State Highway Patrol and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
At left, civilian Patti Schaeffer receives her letter of commendation from Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida, as Erich Ritz looks on. Schaeffer, former police officer Ritz and Sgt. William Webb were recognized Wednesday night at council for their efforts to save the occupants of a vehicle that had become stuck on the railroad tracks after an accident in May 2024. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
At right, Sgt. William Webb listens as Leetonia mayor Kevin Siembida reads his letter of commendation stemming from a May 2024 incident, where he, a fellow officer and a civilian saved an elderly couple whose vehicle had become wedged on the railroad tracks after an accident. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
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LEETONIA -- The village's heroes took center stage Wednesday night as council met for the second time in August.
Mayor Kevin Siembida and police chief Allen Haueter presented six deserving individuals with proclamations acknowledging recent heroism.
On March 7, Ptl. Morgan Carpenter was coming on duty, when the department received a call about a choking 1-year-old baby in the 100 block of Oak Street. Carpenter witnessed the baby turning blue and becoming unresponsive, so she started blows. Auxiliary officer Richard Newton arrived on the scene and took over the back blows, while Carpenter focused on clearing the airway, which led to the baby starting to spit up on regaining responsiveness.
Chief Haueter recognized both officers for their quick response and expressed the village's appreciation.
Two police officers and a civilian also were acknowledged for their efforts on May 7, 2024, when a vehicle turned off the roadway directly onto the railroad tracks, becoming stuck, at Front and Chestnut street. Sgt. William Webb immediately called dispatch and advised them to send his backup, who was former officer Erick Ritz, as well as stop the train traffic. Ritz responded immediately and carried a disabled elderly male passenger, suffering from Alzheimer's, over his shoulders to safety.
Civilian Patti Schaefer, who also was driving by and stopped to assist, helped to get the elderly female driver out, so the vehicle could be towed from the scene.
John Hancock, who just returned to active duty, also was honored again for his efforts on behalf of the village when he managed to maintain control of his duty weapon and cuff his assailant in October despite his severe injuries sustained during the man's attack with a two-foot-long steel rod.
In other action, council:
-- Paid $107,816.36 in bills.
-- Approved the second reading of the village's contract with the Regional Income Tax Authority (RITA) for collections.
-- Authorized an agreement with A&S Party Rentals to rent the iceless skating rink at a cost of $9,189 for the Leetonia Light Up Night in late November.