Swanson Lauded For Actions During Traffic Accident
WINONA LAKE — A young man with quick instincts was praised Tuesday night, Oct. 16 by the Winona Lake Police Department and the town board.
Remington Swanson, 18, received a Certificate of Recognition during the regular monthly meeting of the Winona Lake Town Board as a result of his actions at a traffic accident on Aug. 13 at CR 250E and Pierceton Road.
Trevor Ross told the board and the audience attending the meeting that on the day of the accident, which involved a motorcycle ridden by victim Nolan Haines, he was a witness to the accident and saw Swanson’s actions firsthand.
“I was in the car behind Remington and I couldn’t believe it,” said Ross. “Both Remington and I jumped out of the car and Remington was just absolutely amazing.”
The accident occurred when a vehicle turned onto CR 250E into the path of Haines’ motorcycle. According to the police report, Haines was thrown from his vehicle. “He (Swanson) went above and beyond what I would expect an adult to do, but he acted with valor and complete disregard to make sure this young man was OK,” said Ross.
“I made sure the scene was safe and did what I could to help and waited for help to arrive,” said Swanson. Winona Lake Police Chief Joe Hawn, who presented Swanson with the award, said he was one of the first responders to the accident.
“When I got there, it was amazing because I’ve been to a lot of accident scenes in 30 years of law enforcement, but when I got there, Remington had already taken his shirt off and wrapped it around his (Haines’) arm because as you can see, he had substantial injuries. I would have never guessed he would be standing here today because he also broke a femur.”
Haines was present at the presentation and said he was grateful for Swanson’s actions.
Swanson’s father, Robert Swanson, who serves as a first responder at a Michigan ski resort, said his son had plenty of practice leading up to his actions on Aug. 13.
“Remington always volunteers as a patient,” said Robert Swanson, referring to his son participating in first responder training at the resort. “So, he’s been backboarded more than anyone on the patrol. He’s learned all the first aid and CPR, the whole thing,” he said.
In other business, the Winona Lake Town Board adopted the 2019 and considered drafting new ordinances for additional yield signs, as well as a resolution restricting thru traffic in an alley.
The board also heard a report from Street Superintendent Thomas Miller regarding an issue in a Winona Lake neighborhood where storm water drainage has become a problem. Preliminary inspections of the drains have not been able to reveal where the water is going.