Whiteville firefighters awarded for saving life

By JEFFERSON WEAVER
Staff Writer

Two Whiteville firefighters were honored by the city council Tuesday for saving a local man’s life.

Michael A. Stanley and G. Ernie Clemmons were at the Whiteville fire station Jan. 9 when they heard a rescue call about a choking victim.

David Allan Keeter was unresponsive and not breathing when the call came in, Fire Chief John Cook said.

“It wasn’t their call,” Cook said. “It was paged out for EMS, but they took it on themselves to head that way.”

Rescue workers were on their way to Keeter’s home when Clemmons and Stanley arrived to find the victim turning blue, Cook said.

“Their training kicked in, and they saved this young man’s life,” Cook said.

Keeter apparently choked on a piece of meat, Cook said. Clemmons and Stanley cleared his windpipe and were stablilizing Keeter when rescue arrived.

He was transported to Columbus Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

With half the council chamber filled with firefighters and first responders from Whiteville and the area, City Manager Josh Ray presented both firefighters with commendations for their service.

“This shows why I’m proud of all my men,” Cook said. “They didn’t have to respond, but they went above and beyond the call or duty – they all do.”