A decision made in a split-second can turn someone from a bystander into a hero.

The decision those heroes make is to help another human being even at great risk to themselves.

Two area men – Greg Leohr, of Callender, and Ryan Cripe, of Fort Dodge – became heroes on the evening of Jan. 12, 2019, when they came upon a wrecked and burning sport utility vehicle in a ditch along a curving section of Webster County Road P59 between U.S. Highway 20 and Quaill Avenue.

When he learned that there were still people in the burning vehicle, Leohr grabbed the hitch pin from his truck and began using it to try to break the windows on the vehicle.

Cripe soon arrived and rushed to help Leohr. Together, they got Paul Ross out of the blazing vehicle.

”These guys went above and beyond,” said Webster County Sheriff’s Deputy Amy Stringer. ”The vehicle was on fire – pieces of the burning vehicle were actually dripping on them as they were pulling the man out. He would not be here today if it was not for them.”

Although Paul Ross’ wife, Sheila, died in the crash, the actions of Leohr and Cripe prevented a tragedy from being even worse.

On Dec. 10, Leohr and Cripe were honored at the state Capitol. They were each presented the Governor’s Lifesaving with Valor Award by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg.

Leohr and Cripe are worthy of the honor. They are true heroes who risked their lives to save another.

We join the governor, the Ross family and the rest of Iowa in honoring our two local heroes.