The Southern Pines Fire Department recognized brothers Garrett, 10, Gavin, 10, and Gideon Moneymaker, 5, with Life Saving Awards on Friday, October 2, for their actions during a medical emergency involving their father earlier this year.
On July 31, Keith Moneymaker experienced a seizure while driving on Old Morganton Road with three of his children in the vehicle. During the emergency, the vehicle crossed four lanes of traffic before coming to a stop in a wooded area. Garrett, Gavin, and Gideon helped move their father’s foot off the gas pedal, park the vehicle, open the doors, call 911, and flag down help.
The boys acted quickly during a frightening situation and helped get emergency assistance for their father.
“It doesn’t always happen where we have someone who is at the right place at the right time, and can do the right thing to provide help,” Fire Chief Mike Cameron said. “In this case specifically, it’s even more impressive that it’s people who are younger.”
Cameron presented each of the boys with a Life Saving Award certificate and medal in recognition of the role they played during the emergency.
“That is the essence of being a good human being, when you go out of your way to help someone, and that’s something we want to teach our kids,” Cameron said. “While I’m sure these young men don’t necessarily see themselves as heroes, they were doing what they should be doing to save their dad.”
Firefighters from B Shift who responded to the July 31 call attended the ceremony, along with Moore County paramedics Chloe Fuguay and Garrett Moore, who also responded to the emergency. Southern Pines Town Manager Reagan Parsons, members of the Moneymaker family, and other members of the Southern Pines Fire Department were also in attendance.
A press release from the department adds that “Southern Pines Fire Department is proud to recognize Garrett, Gavin, and Gideon for the courage and quick thinking they showed while helping their father during a serious medical emergency.”
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Contributed.
