Three recognized with standing ovation for saving drowning Frackville child
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Three people were presented letters of commendation Wednesday for their efforts in saving a toddler's life last month. From L-R, Frackville Police Chief Paul Olson, Patrolman Joseph Murton, Taylor Galen, Peyton Merena, and Mayor Kim Phillips.
FRACKVILLE – Three people were recognized Wednesday night for what many would consider heroic efforts in saving a child last month.
Frackville Police Chief Paul Olson presented letters of commendation to Peyton Merena, Joseph Murton, and Taylor Galen for their life-saving efforts.
Olson recalled the incident before the presentation, noting that Andrea Young was watching a movie with her granddaughter on August 3. She went to the bathroom, came back, and her granddaughter was gone.
Young began searching and her dog alerted her that her granddaughter was likely outside.
Outside, she found the child face down in the pool, unresponsive. She rescued the girl and began efforts to revive her while screaming for help.
The backyard was adjacent to borough hall, where Peyton Merena, a borough worker, heard the commotion.
“Realizing something was horribly wrong, he ran inside and alerted Patrolman Joseph Murton, who then also ran over and began to assist,” Olson recalled. “One person that didn’t need to do anything at all, Ms. Taylor Galen, she is an off-duty paramedic and she happened to be in the area and heard the screams. She also ran over and began assisting in treating the little one.”
“To this day, the little one turned out well, no side-effects, no anything, and it was just a fantastic outcome,” Olson continued.
The family was on-hand for Wednesday’s presentation and expressed gratitude to the three rescuers, who received a standing ovation from the packed crowed in borough council chambers.
“She was air-flighted, treated and released that day and was fine,” Young said. “We appreciate all of you.”
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