Champaign County EMA Recognizes First Recipients of Guardian of the County Award

The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency recognized several local emergency responders and dispatchers for their outstanding actions during a March 13, 2026, motor vehicle crash involving two infant children.

Responders were dispatched by the Champaign Countywide Communications Center to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 4 and Hawk Road. Upon arrival, responders discovered that two infant children were trapped inside the vehicle.

Personnel from Mechanicsburg Fire and EMS and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office quickly accessed the vehicle and worked to safely remove the children.

In recognition of their actions, the Champaign County EMA presented its Guardian of the County Award to:

Mechanicsburg Fire and EMS

• FF/Paramedic Thad Davis

• FF/EMT Jason Richey
  

Champaign County Sheriff’s Office

• Deputy Bailey Ramsey

• Deputy Ashley Walter
  

The Guardian of the County Award was presented for the first time with these recipients, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, service, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Champaign County.

The Champaign County EMA also presented Director’s Commendations to members of the Champaign Countywide Communications Center whose efforts were instrumental in the incident:

• Dispatcher Aaron Null

• Dispatcher Katie Heider

• Dispatcher Kylie Bebout
  

The successful outcome of this incident was the result of coordinated efforts beginning with the emergency dispatchers who received and managed the call and continuing through the responders who arrived at the scene and took action to rescue the children.

The Champaign County EMA is proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the safety of the citizens they serve.

Congratulations to the first recipients of the Guardian of the County Award, and thank you to all of these emergency professionals for their service to Champaign County.