Fort Pickett firefighters recognized for saving DMA employee - June 1, 2020

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, recognizes four members of the Fort Pickett Fire Department for their role in saving the life of a Virginia Department of Military Affairs employee during a ceremony June 1, 2020, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. Assistant Chief Sam Nunnelly, Phillip Armes Jr., Thomas Tanner and Brian Thomas all responded May 5, 2020, when Kim Reekes began having chest pains while working. The crew was able to quickly recognize the signs of a major heart attack before treating her and securing a medical flight to the hospital. Their recognition and quick action led to Reekes, who attended the recognition ceremony, getting the emergency treatment she needed to make a full recovery. Dispatcher Karen Kemery was also recognized for her role in the rescue. Retired Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, the DMA Chief Operations Officer, and Col. Paul Gravely, garrison commander of Maneuver Training Center Fort Pickett, both attended the ceremony.