CAPE FIREMAN GETS AWARD FOR SAVING MAN'S LIFE

Cape Girardeau firefighter Capt. Scott Altenthal said he was just doing his job when he helped save a man's life in January.

Altenthal was honored by his fire chief and his peers Monday when he was presented with a certificate of commendation for saving someone's life when he was off-duty.

He was presented the award during a ceremony at the Cape Girardeau Fire Department in front of a dozen fellow firefighters.

Altenthal was driving down Kingshighway when he saw a vehicle in front of him accelerate and crash into a guard rail. Altenthal proceeded to the accident scene and found the driver slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious and not breathing.

Altenthal immediately assessed the situation and let his training take over. He placed the man in a position which allowed his airway to open while maintaining stabilization of the cervical spine.

The man began to show visible signs of breathing and Altenthal stayed with him until fire department units and an ambulance arrived. He told the paramedics what he observed.

It was later learned that the man, Bill Loos of Cape Girardeau, had suffered from an aneurysm of the aorta.

"He saved my life," Loos said. "I think he's a real good person. I thank the Lord every day for what he did. I think he certainly deserves any award."

Fire Chief Daniel White said Altenthal's actions were in the highest tradition of the fire service and a credit to himself and the City of Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

"The award is only the result of someone having an opportunity to do what Scott did," White told the group of firefighters who met during the award ceremony.

"But all heroes have to rise to the challenge when the opportunity presents itself," White said. "That's what Capt. Altenthal did."

Altenthal said he is very appreciative of the award, but added, "I don't think there's anybody here who wouldn't have done it. I just happened to be there."