Above, from left, are Justin Uebinger, Chandler Braith, son of a firefighter; Mike Goff, head of Staples Ambulance Service; Mitchel Braith, son of a firefighter; Kyle Braith, firefighter; Ed Uebinger; and Scott Braith, fire chief. The Staples Volunteer Fire Department and the Staples Ambulance Service were honored as Grand Marshalls for the Staples Railroad Days parade Aug. 28. The recognition was intended to show appreciation for what they do and how they train every day to aid their community. But a special catalyst was the survival of the victim of a truck accident who credits the saving of his life to those two departments. Ed Uebinger was rescued July 1, 2008, and wanted to return to thank his rescuers. In a special ceremony Aug. 26 he and his son, Justin, had that opportunity to meet and thank the folks who saved his life.
At right, Sandy Porter of the ambulance service got to share a laugh with Ed. She spent three hours under the truck with Ed while the rest of the crews worked to move the truck and free him. (Staples World photos by Janice Winter)
Below, members of the fire department applaud to see Ed walking, albeit with a cane, and able to express his personal gratitude. (Photo by Kelley Kossan)