Star of Life Awards honor Harrison County’s heroic first responders

Sally Buffalo Park’s Wallace Lodge was the site of a special ceremony Sunday, Nov. 2, recognizing local first responders for their heroic actions in the line of duty. The Star of Life Awards, typically held in Columbus each year, were brought to Cadiz by the Cadiz Fire Department to honor those who could not attend the statewide event.

Hopedale Fire Chief Mark Marchetta said the ceremony was meant to acknowledge the teamwork and dedication of all first responders. “This is not a one-department show by any means,” he said, noting that successful rescues depend on collaboration across departments. He cited the recent emergency response at Capital Health Meadows nursing home in Cadiz as an example of that teamwork.

Cadiz Fire Chief Leonard Merryman served as host, calling first response work a “thankless job” and expressing his desire to see the event continue in future years.

Among those honored was Darrell Fraley, who survived a workplace accident at the Hopedale Mine coal preparation plant. While welding in a bucket truck, hydraulic hoses caught fire, forcing him to jump. His harness burned through, and he fell 25 feet before being rescued by Hopedale Fire Department personnel. He was transported to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at Pittsburgh by Stat Medevac, where he recovered after suffering both a stroke and a heart attack.

Also recognized was Phil Markwell, who was severely injured in a July motorcycle accident. After losing control to avoid debris on the road, he struck a guardrail and was thrown 28 feet down an embankment. Hopedale Fire Department and Jewett EMS responded, providing life-saving care before he was airlifted to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he recovered from multiple injuries.

Former state representative Don Jones spoke at the event, commending the progress of emergency medical services in Harrison County. “I am proud of the work that has been done in Harrison County for our EMS,” he said. “Our EMS situation is superior to a lot of people around us.” Jones credited the collaboration between departments and township levy support for the system’s success.

The evening concluded with dinner, refreshments and dessert catered by Homestead Catering of Cadiz.