At about 5:00 a.m. on a winter morning Charlie Crowe and Scott Barrett were patrolling snow routes as per usual procedure. Both noticed some gravel on Windgap Road in Flatrock and stopped to investigate further. Initially, it appeared that gravel had simply been deposited on the shoulder of the road, so they began the task of removing the material from the roadway. However, before leaving the site, they decided to investigate a little further to eliminate the possibility that there had been a more serious incident. Using flashlights, Charlie and Scott searched the ditch and adjacent wooded area and found a young man who had been thrown from his car when it left the road some hours before.

The 18 year-old man was in poor condition and required hospitalization. Charlie and Scott called 911 and kept the young man warm and comfortable until emergency response personnel arrived at the scene. If not for the persistence of these individuals, the young man may not have been found until much later and the outcome may have been far worse. It is quite possible that the actions of Charlie and Scott saved the life of Robert Kavanagh on that February morning.

The level of dedication displayed by these men as they carried out their duties resulted in the saving of a young life. This incident has had a very positive impact on the staff of the Torbay Maintenance Unit, as well as the region in general. While it is generally recognized that the frontline staff who clear the roads in winter are critical to road safety, an incident like this reminds us that these people are really the “unsung heroes” of the department.

Their actions are a testament to the efforts of the many individuals who work to keep our highways safe for travel and, often times, their professionalism, skills and quick thinking can mean the difference between life and death. These individuals maintain our highways day-in and day-out, ensuring the travelling safety of the residents of our province. To quote the mother of Robert Kavanagh, “I thank God every day that Mr. Crowe and Mr. Barrett were the men on duty that day in Flatrock. Their insightfulness and persistence are the reason our son is alive today.” Charlie and Scott were doing their duty, but went above and beyond the requirements of their jobs.

 

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