On September 30, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., several Tolles Career & Technical Center students demonstrated courage, quick thinking, and professionalism when they encountered a serious semi-truck accident at the I-70/State Route 142 exit.
Firefighter/EMS Level 2 students Seth French and Dylan Shields, Senior EMT student Logan Faulkner, and Criminal Justice Level 2 student Luke Self were on their way to Tolles when they saw the wreck. Realizing no first responders were on scene yet, they immediately stopped to see if they could render aid.
The students quickly learned from bystanders that 911 had been called and that the driver was badly injured. Sprinting to the truck, they found the driver still inside the cab with a significant facial laceration. While Mr. Self returned to his car to grab his lifeguarding pack, the other students remained with the driver, keeping him calm and supported until emergency crews arrived.
Shields recalled: “I hopped out and the people asked me if I knew CPR, someone was hurt real bad. So I jumped over the railing, slid down the berm, and went to help. It was really eye-opening—it was the first real experience.”
French added: “I was able to see that this was what I really want to do.”
When Jefferson Township Fire Department personnel arrived, French and Shields provided a clear and accurate scene size-up and incident history. Once issued protective gloves, the students continued to assist by helping move the driver onto a backboard and into the medic vehicle, then supported crews with cleanup and gathering equipment.
Afterward, a Jefferson Township firefighter contacted Tolles Instructor Scott Hockenbery to personally commend the students, praising their professionalism, accurate assessment, and willingness to help. He described their efforts as a “dang fine job” that made a meaningful difference in the emergency response.
Tolles is proud of these students for their composure, teamwork, and service in a real-world emergency situation. Their actions reflect not only their training, but also their commitment to helping others in moments of need.