Weirton honors its heroes
HONORED — Among those recognized Thursday was Weirton Patrolman Garrett Ammann, who saved the life of a Weirton resident when responding to a domestic violence incident in the city involving a weapon. Ammann, center, is pictured with family as well as Mayor Harold Miller, Chief Charlie Kush and Councilman Tim Connell. -- Craig Howell
CIVIC DUTY — Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, left, presents a certificate of valor to Weirton Madonna senior Luke Sweat in honor of his efforts to save the life of an elderly neighbor who had gotten cut in the neck while mowing grass. -- Craig Howell
HONORED — Among those recognized Thursday was Weirton Patrolman Garrett Ammann, who saved the life of a Weirton resident when responding to a domestic violence incident in the city involving a weapon. Ammann, center, is pictured with family as well as Mayor Harold Miller, Chief Charlie Kush and Councilman Tim Connell. -- Craig Howell
CIVIC DUTY — Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, left, presents a certificate of valor to Weirton Madonna senior Luke Sweat in honor of his efforts to save the life of an elderly neighbor who had gotten cut in the neck while mowing grass. -- Craig Howell
Trending
WEIRTON -- City officials took time, Thursday, to recognize the heroes of the community, with area police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel gathering in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building.
Two special honors also were awarded, in recognition of the life-saving efforts of one Weirton patrolman and a student at Weirton Madonna High School.
The event was held in recognition of West Virginia Heroes Day, which will officially be observed Saturday.
"This is a special day," Mayor Harold Miller said. "It's West Virginia Heroes Day, and we have some heroes from the community we would like to honor."
Honored during the ceremony were Weirton Patrolman Garrett Ammann and Weirton Madonna senior Luke Sweat.
According to Police Chief Charlie Kush, Ammann, who joined the department in December 2018, responded to a domestic violence call in which a weapon was reportedly involved.
"He arrived quickly, and was the first one on scene," Kush said, explaining Ammann subdued the suspect and remained with the victim until additional personnel arrived. The victim was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident.
Kush noted an investigation is ongoing, and he didn't want to provide too many details.
Sweat was introduced by Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick, who explained the high school student has plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Sweat was able to save the life of his 95-year-old neighbor, Joseph Kostecki, who had been mowing his lawn when, Himmelrick said, he stopped to move a box blade, but tripped and cut his neck.
"He saved this man's life," Himmelrick said of Sweat's efforts to put pressure on the wound until emergency responders arrived.
Sweat was modest of his actions that day.
"I don't believe I'm a hero. I just believe I'm doing my civic duty," he said.
Kostecki, who was in attendance Thursday, offered his thanks to Sweat, as well as neighbor Norm White for their work to save him.
"I'm still here," he said.
Proclamations also were presented on Thursday to representatives of the Weirton Police Department, Weirton Fire Department, Brooke County Ambulance and Hancock County Ambulance.
West Virginia Heroes Day is observed on the second Saturday of September as a way to honor the state's first responders. It was adopted by the West Virginia Legislature in 2015.