Justin Allen and his family were visiting relatives in the area on June 11, when tragedy was averted by the quick response of Zinc volunteer firefighter and first responder, Michael Chambers.
Allen is a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor for the California Highway Patrol. He understands the importance of quick actions and credits Chambers with saving his daughter’s life.
In an email to Mayor Jerry Jackson, he said. “My children were involved in a horrible ATV accident in the Zinc area. My 6-year-old son, Hunter, was badly banged up and transported to the hospital. My 16-year-old daughter, Kaylee, was transported via Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was in a coma with a massive brain bleed and skull fracture, but through the grace of God and prayer, and of course, all of the first responders, she is recovering. After 12 days in the hospital, Kaylee is now at home in California and starting rehab for speech and occupational therapy, and should recover completely in a couple of months.”
Allen continued, “Michael is truly a hero, and I believe his quick action saved my daughter’s life. He was on the phone with 911, calling for the ambulance and Air Evac team at the same time, he administered C-spine and bleeding control. I wholeheartedly believe my daughter would not be with us today if it were not for him. I have been a first responder for more than 17 years, between working on an ambulance and the last 10 with the Highway Patrol. Most of the time, Good Samaritans and volunteer firefighters are not recognized as much as the paramedics, police, etc. I also want to acknowledge the Boone County Deputies, ambulance, and Air Evac crews.”
As the father requested, Mayor Jackson, Boone County Judge Robert Hathaway, Sheriff Roy Martin, and the medical professionals will be acknowledged for their part in this rescue. Michael Chambers will be awarded a plaque at the City Council meeting on Thursday, July 10.