The Daniel Boone School Board honored high school senior Trevor Biggerstaff, who saved a man’s life on Aug. 29 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. during the Monday, Dec. 15 meeting. A letter from Ronald and Linda Burchett, of Glasgow, Ky, praised Biggerstaff for “stepping up” to perform the Heimlich Maneuver and save Ron’s life.
District Superintendent Marybeth Torchia read the Burchetts’ commendation letter at the beginning of the school board meeting.
Linda wrote that she and Ron were visiting a flea market with friends in Myrtle Beach over the Labor Day weekend when Ron ate a peanut that got stuck in his throat.
She wrote that Biggerstaff didn’t hesitate to get involved and thus saved a father, grandfather — beloved family member to many — and his 85-year-old mother’s only son.
Linda said that the Glasgow Independent School District has a program that honors its students for heroic acts.
If Daniel Boone has a similar program, she recommended that Biggerstaff be one of its honorees.
In the meantime, the Burchetts contacted Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear and asked him to admit Biggerstaff as a Kentucky Colonel.
A Kentucky Colonel is an “honorary commission given by the state of Kentucky to individuals noted for their public service and their work for the advancement of Kentucky.”
After reading the letter, Torchia informed Biggerstaff that the Burchetts wanted to verbalize their thanks to him and were waiting on the telephone.
“I can say thank you, but there’s nothing I can do for saving my life,” Ron said, adding, “Thanks to your efforts, I was able to start breathing again.”
“Character comes from within yourself,” Ron said. “I thank you everyday for getting involved.”
Amity Township Police Chief Kent A. Shuebrook also recognized Biggerstaff with a commendation plaque.
The board approved 6-1 the purchase of a 2015 Ford F-350 pickup truck from New Holland Auto Group per COSTARS in the amount of $24,989 for this winter’s snow plowing.
It also approved the purchase of an eight-foot Stainless Steel Power-V Plow with accessories from Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, Ruscombmanor, per COSTARs in the amount of $7,834.
Board member Larry Speed opposed the motion.
He said the board should table the motion to approve and investigate other options.
“The [vehicle] fleet is old, and in the near future there is a plan to upgrade more than just this vehicle,” board President Richard Martino said.
“If we wait one month and get hit with snow, this deal might not be available,” Martino said.
Board members Andrew Basile and Carol Beitz were absent from the meeting.
