Scouts from the Lake Wylie and Rock Hill areas are up for a lifesaving award after pulling a Pennsylvania farmer from the Allegheny River.
The Pittsburgh council of Scouting America is recommending Troop 255 and its leaders for the honor, WSOC-TV first reported Tuesday, Sept. 29. The York County troop was on a summer canoe trip when members heard farmer Jeff Manelick calling for help. His tractor had fallen into the river, trapping his left leg beneath a tire.
A scout leader used the tractor's keys to move the vehicle. Tyler Strong, a Troop 255 scout, and his father then pulled Manelick from the water.
"I really didn't think. I was just trying to do whatever I can to get him out of the water," Strong told WSOC-TV.
Manelick arrived at the hospital with a body temperature of 91.5 degrees. He told the station by phone that he is doing fine.
Under Scouting America rules, the local council's nomination goes to the National Court of Honor, which determines the final award level. The organization offers several tiers based on the degree of personal risk involved. A presentation date has not been announced.
