Alex Glass - Hometown Hero

There are heroes every day in most lives...those that make that extra effort, whose smiles change lives and whose talents are put to use for the benefit of others. But sometimes we are in the presence of a dramatic hero, one who has put their life on the line for another.

It is said that 3 out of every 4 Boy Scouts will use the skills they learned as a scout to save their own lives or the life of another. Several years ago I was honored to write the heroism award application for a young Eagle Scout who saved his family from a fire in their home. Tonight a local Boy Scout leader and a friend of mine was officially recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for his heroism in rescuing not one but two people in May 2009. Here is the story:

Morehead City, NC – District Roundtable/Special National Court of Honor:  Tonight, Mr. Alex Glass, Scoutmaster of Troop 412, was awarded the prestigious Honor Medal with Crossed Palms, the highest lifesaving award from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Glass did not have any idea that he was being recognized tonight. Never in the history of East Carolina Council has this award been given to someone who rescued 2 persons at once.

Honor Medal with Crossed Palms

Nominee has demonstrated unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self. Heroism is defined as conduct exhibiting courage and daring, skill, and self-sacrifice. Skill is defined as the ability to use one's knowledge effectively in execution or performance. Special attention is given to skills earned in Scouting.

Summary of Action of Alexander Glass

On the afternoon of 25 May 2009 Alexander Glass, Scoutmaster of Troop 412 and Cubmaster of Pack 412, while on the beach at Cape Lookout, NC heard a woman calling for help, and saying that two girls were in trouble out in the water. It appeared that they had been towed out to sea in a rip current. After locating the two girls, and calling upon his years of training as both a Boy Scout Lifeguard and his Red Cross training and seeing no other option available he realizing there was no time to waste. He proceeded into the surf to attempt a rescue. Upon reaching the first person he noticed that someone was already attempting to assist her. So, he focused his attention on assisting the other girl and swam toward her location. Upon reaching this girl it was obvious that she was extremely tired and near exhaustion. He immediately placed her in a cross-chest swim rescue position and headed back to shore. On the way back to shore, he again came upon the first girl he had encountered. The person who had been attempting to assist had left her because the conditions and situation was too much for him to handle and beyond his capabilities. Scoutmaster Glass was left with no option but to attempt to rescue both girls. With no other help available he had to tow both of them toward shore. Fortunately, on the way back they came upon a sand bar and they were able to rest for a moment. He was able to reassure and calm them while they rested, and when they felt they could continue they resumed their journey back to the safety of shore. Happily, both SuAnna and Karrissa Willis are with us this evening to share in this recognition.

Congratulations to Alex for the highest recognition that can be given to anyone by the Boy Scouts of America for heroism and thank you for putting the safety of others first in the rescue of these two young women.