FORNEY, Texas — An off-duty Cedar Hill firefighter was presented a certificate of recognition on Tuesday night for actions taken during a major crash near Forney in March.
FORNEY, Texas — An off-duty Cedar Hill firefighter was presented a certificate of recognition on Tuesday night for actions taken during a major crash near Forney in March.
That firefighter, Cedar Hill Fire Department Captain Jason O'Neill, was recognized for his heroism and outstanding service to others.
On March 18, 2018, O'Neill stopped at a major crash scene near Forney where a man, identified by family as Rusty Dobbs, was severely injured — having sustained spinal injuries and was suffering from severe bleeding.
"Upon arriving at the scene, O'Neill went into action and was able to stop the driver's bleeding and alert local colleagues of the circumstances and the need fro an air ambulance," states the certificate of recognition. "O'Neill insists he was just doing his job."
"I saw there was somebody in need and I have a duty to act," he said.
Dobbs spent several weeks in the intensive care unit at Parkland Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Baylor for rehab, according to a GoFundMe account established to assist his family with medical-related expenses.
"Rusty spends his days working his tail off to give himself every opportunity at recovery," states the GoFundMe. "He has approached this life altering event with courage and strength."
"He is a real life hero," stated Dobbs' father, Robert, on Facebook. "He literally saved Rusty’s life."
"My family will always be grateful!" he said.
To donate, visit the GoFundMe account, here.
