Ground Safety Award of Distinction - Brief Article

Combat Edge, Sept, 2001

While escorting a civilian contractor who was doing routine maintenance on an underground sewer service pipe, SrA. Nicholas Butterfield noticed decreased movement in the contractor's safety lifeline and the presence of a strong chemical odor. Quickly assessing the situation, Butterfield determined the contractor was incapacitated and required immediate assistance so he promptly alerted the other contractors.

Without hesitation, he employed the assistance of two individuals and started the emergency extraction of the downed, non-responsive contractor. After the contractor was safely removed from the service pipe, Butterfield immediately notified all appropriate emergency response agencies allowing the contractor to receive much needed, on-the-spot medical care. The contractor was then transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment. The decisive and professional actions of SrA. Nicholas Butterfield prevented certain loss of life.