Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1497060
8 At the right time and place In route to his next job site last May, Jack Bagwell saw smoke pouring from a car that had crashed into a ditch off U.S. Route 431. Grabbing a fire extinguisher from his Alabama Power bucket truck, he headed down the embankment to help a police officer who was already on hand. After smothering the blaze with his fire extinguisher, Bagwell, local operations lineman, Eufaula State Docks Road Crew, helped cut the unconscious man's seatbelt and pull him safely from the vehicle, where paramedics took control of the situation. "It wasn't like I was a hero, but there was no way I was going to let that man burn," Bagwell said. Casual stop turns into lifesaving act In August 2021, after a visit to a tractor supply store for animal feed, Philip Battles noticed an older woman slumped forward in her car in the parking lot. Receiving no response when he tapped on the window, Battles opened the car door, and found that she was clammy and had a weak pulse. He asked a bystander to call 911 and began administering CPR. "The most gratifying thing for me was when that lady gasped and took her first breath," said Battles, Power Delivery Safety and Health specialist. "I can't take credit. It's due to Alabama Power for allowing every employee the opportunity to receive that lifesaving training." Alabama Power's Presidential Award of Honor was established in 1985 by the company's Central Safety Committee and has been presented to more than 200 employees through the years. In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, the employees' names are prominently displayed on a plaque in the Corporate Headquarters atrium. "It takes true courage to act in a moment of need," said Executive Vice President of Customer and Employee Services Jeff Peoples. "I'm proud of all these employees for their selflessness and willingness to step in and take action. Having a Safety First mindset helps keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe." By Carla Davis Jack Bagwell Local Operations Lineman, PD Southeast Field Services Philip Battles Safety and Health Specialist, PD Safety and Health