City recognizes emergency responders whose efforts helped save a life

The City of Lebanon has recognized some emergency responders for their actions in saving a life. The Lifesaving award was presented to Lt. Robert Wilson and firefighter Nick Wapelhorst at Monday night’s City Council meeting. On Dec.10, 2024, at approximately 3:47 p.m., Wilson and Wapelhorst responded to a medical emergency at the Laclede County Courthouse. Fire Chief Sam Schneider said that “upon arrival, they found a male patient in distress and immediately began providing medical care. However, shortly after their arrival, the patient’s condition worsened, requiring them to initiate life-saving measures,” he said. Lebanon Fire Department personnel were soon joined by Mercy EMS personnel, including Paramedic Caleb Winfrey and EMT Rachel Bryan, who stepped in and assisted Lieutenant Wilson and Firefighter Wapelhorst in continuing life-saving efforts. Additional Lebanon Fire Department personnel, including Lieutenant Jim Gallaher and Firefighter Nick Helvey, arrived on the scene to assist with preparing the patient for transport. Edward Keeney, whose life was saved, expressed his gratitude. "I’m not much for public speaking, but I have to say, if it weren’t for the efforts of each and every one of you, there is no doubt in my mind that I would not be here today,” he said. ‘”Thank you' just doesn’t seem like enough. From the bottom of my heart, and by the grace of God, I am incredibly grateful for what you have done for me and for what you do for our community every day. I know that some days are easy, and some days are not—but what I’ve been told about that day, I know it was not easy. Thank you very much. I truly cannot say that enough." For more on this story, see Wednesday's LCR.