Mayor honors trio for life-saving actions

WASILLA - A proclamation Jan. 23 from Wasilla Mayor Vern Rupright recognized a trio of Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman employees for their life-saving efforts.

Robert DeBerry, Doris Armstrong and Laura Cox responded to proved medical attention Dec. 22, 2011, to a man who lost part of his right arm in an industrial accident in the newspaper's parking lot.

An employee with Labor Ready, John Buckley, 45, was assisting drivers for American Fast Freight in freeing a semi truck stuck on a small hill in front of the Frontiersman's press facility. According to Alaska State Troopers, Buckley's arm became stuck in the drive wheels of the semi while attempting to hold a chain in place for traction.

As Frontiersman staff called 911, photo editor DeBerry, circulation manager Armstrong and Cox, who works in the newspaper's advertising department, responded with medical attention. That included DeBerry using his belt to place a tourniquet to Buckley's arm.

"All three rendered aid, gathering coats to keep him warm, putting pressure on the injured arm to help stop the bleeding and comforting him while waiting for the EMTs to arrive," Rupright says in his proclamation.

Buckley's arm was amputated a few inches below the elbow, but the fast action of the Frontiersman employees saved his life, Buckley said. Although he couldn't attend Monday's city council meeting for the presentation of the mayoral proclamation, Buckley sent a statement of thanks.

"I never expected Dec. 22 to be much different than any other work day," he said. "What sticks in my mind is how fast a situation can go from ordinary to life-altering, and if not for Robert DeBerry and other Frontiersman staff, life-ending. Their swift responses saved my life. There is no doubt in my mind that without their heroic efforts I would never have made it to the ER. I should be in Denver at a rehab center by the time this is read, otherwise I'd be there. Thank you all."

Buckley's mother, Laurie Adams, called the accident "a mother's worst nightmare," and said she's grateful to DeBerry, Armstrong and Cox for their actions that day.

"Every time I start to dwell on the repercussions of that accident, I am reminded how close my son came to dying that day," she said. "Words cannot express my gratitude to those first responders from the Frontiersman. It is because of them my son is alive and recovering today."