Harford Hazmat Members Save Life, Earn Recognition

What began as a simple flight to an emergency training conference turned into an emergency of its own for three members of the Harford County Hazmat Team.

Clarence Ross, John Simpson and Tom Miller were on their way to Xtreme Industrial Fire and Hazard Training School in Texas for training earlier this year, when a passenger on their flight experienced a medical emergency, according to a release from Harford County Government.

A flight attendant began helping the passenger, and "without hesitation or reservation," the three men jumped into action, according to the release.

Ross, Simpson and Miller opened the patient’s blocked airway then performed airway management and oxygen therapy for the next two hours until the plane landed.

Members of the Carroll County Hazardous Materials Team also assisted in treating the patient.

Based on their behavior that day, all three man have been named Harford County Employees of the Month for August.

"These three distinguished members of the Harford County Hazardous Materials Team certainly went above and beyond the call of duty in rendering assistance to another passenger during their flight to Texas. Their unselfish and compassionate efforts speaks well of their professionalism and integrity as members of the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations. We are proud to have them as employees with Harford County Government,” said in a release.