September 9, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Department to Recognize 81-year-old for Heroism

The Shreveport firefighters that responded to the Glen Retirement Village on September 1, 2002, are still talking about the incredible actions of 81-year-old Carolyn Kelly . . .

Tomorrow, they will join the entire fire department, representatives of the Glen, and the Caddo Council on Aging in honoring the feisty great-grandmother of nine in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony at the Glen Retirement Village auditorium, 403 E. Flournoy Lucas. Kelly, is being recognized for her unselfish and heroic actions after witnessing a car plunge into one of the Village’s ponds. Kelly said at the time there was no one else around, which left her little choice but to jump a fence, shed extra clothing and dive into the water.

After getting in the water, Kelly made her way over to the passenger side of the vehicle, which was sinking nose first into the 12-foot pond, and located 83-year-old Nina Hutchinson. Ms. Kelly was able to hold Ms. Hutchinson’s head above the water until firefighters could arrive and pull the woman from the water. The driver of the vehicle, Hutchinson’s husband, 90-year-old Harlem, was able to make his way out of the vehicle and to the safety of the shore unassisted. Nina Hutchinson was transported to LSUSHS Center in serious condition but was talking to paramedics en route. Unfortunately, Ms. Hutchinson passed away about 12 hours later in the hospital.

"We regret the passing of Ms. Hutchinson but that does not minimize the role that Ms. Kelly played in saving her life. We all recognize the extraordinary effort that Ms. Kelly made that day to help someone in need and because of her actions, she gave Ms. Hutchinson every opportunity to survive her accident. No one can ask more of a civilian than that" said Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. Chief Cochran will also recognize Captains Marty Moss and Todd Cash and firefighters John King, Marco Tucker, Donald Ferguson, Jason Curtis for their actions during the rescue and treatment of Ms. Hutchinson. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception at the Glen Village. ###