Harford County 'Lifesavers' Help Injured Citizen on Ma & Pa Trail

Two Harford County Parks and Recreation employees who helped a citizen in distress on Ma & Pa Trail have been named "Employees of the Month," Harford County announced Thursday.

Joshua Lemly and Jeff Ramer of the grounds maintenance division were working on the trail on Oct. 22, 2013, when they saw a jogger who had fallen and severely injured his shoulder, county officials said.

The men helped the jogger, Robert Zyriek, back to his truck and lent him a cell phone so he could call his daughter, according to the report. The two wouldn't leave him until his daughter arrived.

Zyriek ended up having surgery and is now recovering, according to the statement from Harford County.

"They were lifesavers to me that day," said Zyriek, who wrote a letter of appreciation after the incident.

"I have always been grateful to the people in parks and rec who work so hard so that we can all enjoy the Ma & Pa Trail. I just never imagined two of them coming to my aid as they did that day," Zyriek added. "...they have my sincere gratitude."

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Wesley Martin nominated Lemly and Ramer for the "Employee of the Month" award and congratulated them on their initiative.

“I am very proud of these two employees for their quick thinking and taking control of a situation to help another person," Martin said. "The jogger has since had surgery is recovering nicely and can’t wait to get back on the Ma & Pa Trail."

Lemly and Ramer each received $50, a Harford County pin, certificate and one day off work for their service, according to Sherrie Johnson, spokeswoman for Harford County. Johnson said the employees received their award at 10 a.m. Thursday in the county executive's office.