A Smyrna sanitation worker was honored with a Community Hero Award on Oct. 15 for his heroic actions during a medical emergency.
The award was presented to Elvin Arias by Smyrna Fire Chief Roy Acree, City Administrator Tammi Saddler-Jones, Public Works Director Frank Martin and Ward 3 Councilwoman Maryline Blackburn.
“Elvin is truly an example of what it means to be a public servant. Elvin helped saved someone’s life. Without much time to think, he launched into action while on his sanitation route, and he helped a lady in need until emergency medical services arrived on the scene. Our city employees are the greatest, and I sincerely thank Elvin for what he did,” Saddler-Jones said.
On Oct. 2, Arias was out on the job with two other sanitation workers when they spotted a woman experiencing a medical emergency.
According to the woman’s neighbor, the woman came to her door asking for help but then collapsed in her driveway.
Arias and the rest of the sanitation team saw the incident and quickly responded by calling 911.
Then Arias took off his shirt, soaked it with cold water and applied it to the woman’s face in an effort to cool her down.
They waited with her until emergency responders arrived.
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