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Show Presented a plaque NSL fmm cited for hmvery w w : t f , -. YK J V v .. m v I '.-X!) v )'. r,6 ' By JUDY JENSEN NORTH SALT LAKE In a recent ceremony, William Klein was presented with a plaque citing him for bravery in the chemical spill at Hodson Chemical which occurred on April 14. In presenting the award from the city, North Salt Lake Mayor Jake Simmons and North Salt Lake Police Chief Val Wilson, praised Mr. Klein for his unselfish act. Mr. Klein was the citizen who, when driving to work on the morning morn-ing of the tragedy, noticed Lee Hodson lying face down on the floor at Hodson Chemical. Although Mr. Klein could smell the strong fumes in the building, he rushed inside without regard for his own safety and pulled the unconscious uncon-scious man out of the toxic fumes. It was not until he had reached safety that Mr. Klein realized that Mr. Hodson had died as a result of the accident. "We wanted to officially thank you for what you did," said Mayor Simmons, "that was a pretty brave thing to do and we felt it warranted a certificate of appreciation." In accepting the award, Mr. Klein and his wife Jenny, thanked the Mayor and the city for the honor. hon-or. "I really appreciate this," said Mr. Klein. "This thing just sort of happens, I don't think of myself as . a hero," he said. According to South Davis Fire District Chief, Brent Argyle, Mr. Klein's actions may have saved the Staff photos by Cherie Huber North Salt Lake Police Chief Val Wilson and Jenny Klein attended ceremony where William Klein was presented award for bravery by Mayor Jake Simmons. lives of other people in the area. He was the one who called 911 and alerted emergency personnel to the fact that a chemical hazard existed. His report precipitated an immediate immedi-ate evacuation of the employees of surrounding businesses. When the paramedics arrived on the scene they transported Mr. Klein to Lakeview Hospital where he was treated and released. During Dur-ing the next two weeks Mr. Klein suffered from shortness of breath and spontaneous nosebleeds. He told Mayor Simmons that all of the medical problems he experienced had passed and he is now in perfect health, "except for needing to lose 10 or 15 pounds," he joked. When asked if he would react the same way if he is faced with similar circumstances in the future, Mr. Klein responded, "It's not something some-thing you think about it just happens. hap-pens. When you see someone in trouble you just want to help." |