Good Samaritan Awards presented to Chad Williamson, Andrea Brown for life-saving actions

Chad Williamson and Andrea Brown were honored Friday evening at Ye Old Tavern on Belfast Pike in Hillsboro.

Tavern patrons recognized both Williamson and Brown with a commemorative plaque which reads: "Good Samaritan Award (to): Chad Williamson and Andrea Brown, For your unselfish act to help one of your fellow men in a time of need, with no regard to your own safety."

Tavern owner Kyle Hamblin said the award was in recognition of an act of heroism by Chad Williamson in March, when Williamson saved Hillsboro resident and Vietnam War veteran Byron "Jake" Jacob, after his Dodge pickup truck slid off S.R. 73 and overturned in a creek on a snowy, late-winter evening earlier this year.

"This evening is a two-part celebration," Hamblin said. "First, it's a celebration of life. And the celebration of the life of our good friend, Jake. Second, it's a celebration of heroism."

According to Hamblin, the local tavern had closed early due to the inclement weather; and there were just a few people in the parking lot, including Williamson, Jacob, and Brown.

Brown asked Williamson to follow Jacob home because of the snowy conditions. He did.

But Jacob didn't make it home.

"We lost his great blue Dodge truck," Hamblin said, "but we didn't lose Jake."

As his truck slid into the icy creek waters, Williamson stopped, exited his vehicle and jumped into the water. With some difficulty, Williamson was able to remove Jacob from the wreckage and get him to a safe area until paramedics arrived.

"Chad did this with total disregard for his own safety," Hamblin told the tavern patrons who gathered Friday for a surprise ceremony. "We thank you, Chad, and we thank you, Andrea."

Jacob also thanked both honorees for their thoughtful actions.

"We've been wanting to do something to honor Chad and Andrea," Michael Little said, "but we couldn't get everyone together until now. Chad doesn't like the recognition, but he's a hero."