MELTON HONORED WITH MERITORIOUS SAFETY AWARD

SIKESTON - Jackson resident Scott Melton, assistant design technician for the Missouri Department of Transportation, received the MoDOT Meritorious Safety Award on Dec. 7 for his heroic efforts while performing a lifesaving act.

The honor for anonymously aiding in the rescue of a choking woman. Melton was attending a training session in Jefferson City and while at dinner on the evening of Sept. 15, noticed a woman behind him choking. Realizing she needed immediate help, Melton began performing the Heimlich maneuver, without hesitation, to dislodge the obstruction. After performing the maneuver 15 to 20 times, he was able to dislodge the obstruction restoring breathing to the victim.

Melton has been certified in Red Cross Standard First Aid for seven years and was able to use his training to save the choking woman.

District Engineer Scott Meyer said, "Our department is a strong advocate of first aid and CPR training for our employees. Scott's heroic act demonstrates that you never know when you may need these lifesaving skills."

Director of Project Development Bob Sfreddo, from the department's general headquarters in Jefferson City, made the presentation during an awards ceremony held at the Southeast District office in Sikeston.

The Meritorious Safety Award, founded in 1991, is one of the department's highest honors. Only 45 additional awards have been given state-wide. The award is presented to an employee for their actions during an emergency, life threatening event or lifesaving act on or off the job. Award candidates are recommended by their peers.

"We are extremely proud of Scott and his quick actions," Meyer added.

All full-time, temporary and emergency employees are eligible for the award. MoDOT's Southeast District now has 11 team members who have received this prestigious honor.

Melton, originally from Benton, Mo., now resides in Jackson, Mo., with his wife Amy.

Last year, MoDOT's 14-county Southeast District had approximately 68 percent of employees Red Cross certified in Standard First Aid and CPR. This high percentage enabled the district to achieve top honors of all MoDOT locations throughout the state for the highest number of employees certified. The district has won this honor for the last five consecutive years.