How many of us can say we rushed into a dangerous situation and saved someone’s life? Steve McLaughlin, line serviceman, Warren Service Center, Ohio Edison, did just that. What promised to be a normal Sunday turned into a day he’ll never forget.

Steve lives in a rural area of Warren, Ohio, and on his neighbor’s farm is  a landing strip for the neighbor’s small airplane.

“I watch him take off all the time and wave when he flies over,” said Steve.

However, things suddenly changed one morning.

“I was loading up my truck getting ready for work when my neighbor took off for a flight,” said Steve. “I thought there was a problem when the plane dipped low and banked to the left. Soon after that it crashed.”

Steve immediately retrieved a fire extinguisher from his truck and rushed to the crash site where he began suppressing the fire.

The crash site wreckage.

“By this time, another neighbor called 911 while I suppressed the fire so I could better assess the situation. I saw there were two passengers – my neighbor and his son,” said Steve. “I could see the son had minor burns, but was conscious, so I unbuckled him and helped him exit. However, his dad was unconscious, and I had to pull him from the wreckage. After both were safely away from the crash site, I continued to suppress the fire until help arrived.”

Thanks to Steve’s quick reaction and having a fire extinguisher on-hand both survived the crash.

“I’m so incredibly proud of Steve and his selfless actions to save the pilot and his son,” said Matt McAleer, supervisor, Regional Operations Line&Sub West. “In my opinion, rushing in and pulling the occupants from the burning wreckage makes him a true hero.”

Steve, who has been with our company for 11 years, said he just did what he hopes anyone would do – help save a life.

“I was blessed to be able to help them. You never know when you’re faced with a critical situation that can result in saving a life. You just have to be ready to jump in and do what’s needed,” said Steve.