On Aug. 19, Barton County Road and Bridge Department employee Eric Johnson was on the job northeast of Great Bend when he became one of the first on the scene of an accident.

His swift response helped save the victim and was a tribute to his training. It also earned him the Employee Recognition Award from the county Employee Relations Committee.

The committee recommends outstanding individuals for the honor which is generally given quarterly. Monday morning, the County Commission recognized Johnson who was nominated by a fellow staff member John Remmert for his actions, said ERC President Bj Wooding. 

On that day, Johnson was working north of the K-156-NW 30 Road intersection when he noticed a semi truck swerving on the highway. The truck eventually tipped over and Johnson removed the driver and tended to his head injuries while instructing co-workers to direct traffic.

He drew on first-aid training provided by the county for its employees. “It is easy to think training is boring, but it really is for a reason,” Johnson said.

“Without that training, I don’t know that I could have helped,” he said. “I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t have done.”

“It’s a proud moment for me that we have someone with the county that would do that,” Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said.