Local heroes honored for helping Manchester crash

Three local heroes who helped with an accident in Manchester earlier this year have been honored.

Delaware County Emergency Management presented the Delaware County Life Saving Award to Josh Heffernen on Monday evening. Manchester Fire Department Medical Officer Matt Wieser nominated Heffernen, a fellow firefighter, for the award.

According to authorities, on the night of May 20, a child riding a bicycle was struck by a car at the intersection of New Street and Liberty Street in Manchester. Josh Heffernen was in his driveway and witnessed the accident. He ran over and checked on the child, later identified as Hunter Goodman. Hunter was severely injured, unresponsive and not breathing. He was initially taken to Regional Medical Center and later transported to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Heffernen initiated CPR and continued these life-saving measures until other first responders arrived. Mandy Bieber, emergency management coordinator, said Heffernen’s courage and quick thinking to initiate resuscitation gave Hunter a chance of survival.

Melissa Hauschild and Heather Munson also helped on site. To recognize their efforts, Manchester Mayor Connie Behnken presented Hauschild, Munson and Heffernen with the City of Manchester Good Samaritan Award.