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Good Samaritan receives Award for Self-less Act

08/24/2022

Little Rock, ARThe Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – Division of Labor paid tribute to Curtis Hannah, awarding him a Meritorious Award for his heroism in saving the life of Kyle Stokes.

On the morning of June 22, 2022, Curtis was driving his 40,000-pound bucket truck to work at Ozark Electric when he swerved to avoid colliding into Kyle’s car, which drifted unintentionally into Curtis’ lane after a drop in Kyle’s blood pressure. However, a violent collision could not be avoided. Curtis’ truck then hit a large tree head on, while Kyle’s car crashed into a ditch.

Curtis escaped from his truck only visibly shaken but realized that Kyle remained trapped in his car. Curtis immediately reacted by calling 911 and moving to Kyle’s car to help. Curtis smashed out the rear passenger window of Kyle’s car to secure airflow for Kyle and stayed by his side.  Emergency services arrived on the scene and used the “jaws of life” to remove Kyle from his car. Many believe Curtis’ actions and calm demeanor, comforted Kyle and resulted in his ultimate survival.

Curtis possessed a need to check in on Kyle because he remained anxious about the continued well-being of his fellow man.  The two men would not meet again until five weeks after the accident. Kyle and his wife expressed their eternal gratefulness for the fearless actions Curtis undertook that fateful day. But for Curtis’ bravery and quick response, Kyle may no longer be with us.

“This award is earned and given only to those extraordinary individuals who lead and serve others with a Samaritan heart.” says Clark Thomas, OSHA Consultation Project Manager of the Division of Labor.

Curtis’ Meritorious Award is only the second handed out in the past eight years.

Ralph T. Hudson, Director of Labor, presented Curtis the award on August 11, 2022, at the Northwest Arkansas Workers’ Safety Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“Curtis Hannah is a great example of what it means to keep a level head in a crisis.” Hudson said.  “When it comes to worker safety, the goal is to prepare the Arkansas worker to respond appropriately to challenging working conditions and awards like this are a reminder of why the worker safety community in Arkansas does what it does every day.”

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