David Ledesma received Great Bend’s Local Hero Award on Wednesday, for saving another man from being crushed under a semi-trailer on an icy day last January.
Friends and family met at Marmie Motors, where Ledesma works as a wrecker driver, to see him receive the award. Among those able to stand and say thank you was the man he rescued, Tom Curran.
Mark Bretches from the Great Bend Police Department said Ledesma was hesitant at first to accept the award — given on rare occasions when a person goes above and beyond. "There are certain things that happen in life that deserve special recognition," Bretches said. "This is one of them."
Back on Jan. 19, a coat of ice covered the streets and sidewalks. A tractor-trailer was attempting to back into the alley behind Office Products Inc. for a delivery, but was having difficulty on the ice. OPI employee Curran stepped outside and tried to help the driver back his truck, but Curran slipped on the ice and fell to the ground, unconscious.
"Apparently no one, including the truck driver, saw Tom fall," Bretches said. "The truck driver was continuing to back up and was almost ready to roll over Tom’s motionless body." But at that moment, Ledesma, who had for some reason driven two blocks out of his way, saw what was happening. He jumped out of his truck, ran across the ice, and got the truck driver to stop just as the trailer went over Curran’s ankle. His ankle was wedged by the tire, but at least it wasn’t completely run over. "Without the quick intervention of David Ledesma, a very tragic incident could have unfolded, resulting in a serious injury or even death to Tom Curran," Bretches said.
Curran hugged his new friend Wednesday after Ledesma heard letters of thanks from the sponsors of the Local Hero Award and received a framed certificate. "I think God was working that morning," Curran said. "He was watching out for me."
Sponsors who underwrite the Local Hero Awards are the Great Bend Tribune, Eagle Radio, KSNC-TV, the Optimist Club and the Police Department. Representatives from each wrote letters of thanks to Ledesma.
Great Bend Publisher
"Whether it is in our job or in our personal lives, doing the right thing is not always easy. Great Bend’s Local Hero Award recognizes feats of courage, strength and, most importantly, action. It is with pride that we congratulate you on receiving this award. Thank you for taking such a heroic action to ensure Tom Curran’s safety and for your contribution to our community."
Mary Hoisington wrote, "You are an excellent representative of what makes our community great. By not hesitating to take action and by risking your physical well-being, you protected a life and saved others from grief and pain.
