Cape man honored for helping driver

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Good Samaritans still exist. And their efforts are still appreciated.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol presented Randy R. Seabaugh of Cape Girardeau with a certificate of appreciation Thursday recognizing his efforts to aid a driver in distress. The certificate was presented by George Ridens, captain of Troop E.

Ridens said Seabaugh deserved special recognition for what he did just after noon Sept. 24.

"Had it not been for Mr. Seabaugh, Corporal Kenley might have driven past the incident and the aid rendered to Mr. Wills would not have happened," Ridens said.

Seabaugh said it really wasn't about heroics, he simply saw a truck along Interstate Drive in Miner, Mo., and stopped to see if the driver and passenger needed help.

One of the men, William M. Wills, had become ill. After trying to make Wills comfortable, Seabaugh lent his phone to the other man, Robert Ressell, to call for an ambulance.

When Seabaugh saw an approaching highway patrol car he waved it down. Cpl. Greg D. Kenley said by the time he reached the vehicle Wills had collapsed and the officer was not able to find a pulse.

After calling on his radio for an ambulance, Kenley asked Seabaugh if he was familiar with CPR.

"I had CPR training in the military," Seabaugh said. "I've had the training but never used it. This time I got to use it."

Kenley praised Seabaugh for his lifesaving efforts, noting they continued CPR for about 20 minutes. He also said Seabaugh assisted ambulance personnel when the Scott County Ambulance Service arrived.

While Wills did not survive, Kenley said Seabaugh's efforts gave him every chance.

According to Kenley, in his 25 years as a patrolman, he has come in contact with other good Samaritans.

"There are a lot of good people out there willing to help each other. This is a perfect example of a stranger willing to help," Kenley said.

Carla Beussink of Dayton Trucking attended the recognition ceremony at the Troop E satellite office, along with Seabaugh's family. She described Seabaugh as "one of our finest. One of our slogans at Dayton Trucking is the Dayton difference. Randy exemplifies that by going above and beyond."