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Medal of Valor goes to
Sedro-Woolley resident
Jim Swett’s quick thinking and selfless actions helped save four lives
at an horrific vehicle collision in December 2004. Monday they brought
him a standing ovation from the Washington State Legislature, as the
Sedro-Woolley resident became one of the first four Washingtonians to
receive the state Medal of Valor.
Swett was traveling on Interstate 5 on Dec. 15, 2004 when he arrived at
the scene of a collision involving two trucks struck by a vehicle
that had crossed the freeway median. Ignoring his own safety, Swett tied
a tow strap to one truck and dragged it away from the other two
vehicles, which were burning. He then helped rescue the mother driving
the vehicle and three of her children who were in the back.
Unfortunately, a fourth child died at the scene.
“Jim Swett didn’t ask to be a hero, but his courage and strength of
character made him one,” said Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, who helped
pass the law creating the award in 2000. “It’s important that we as a
state recognize our citizens for their heroism and hold them up as
examples for our children and grandchildren.”
The House of Representatives and Senate gathered for a special joint
session honoring Swett and three others awarded the Medal of Valor.
“Each session the House of Representatives has a ‘family day’ for the
families of legislators to come to Olympia. What better day to honor Jim
Swett, who saved a family?" said
Rep.
Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe. “We are
fortunate to have good citizens like Mr. Swett in our community;
citizens that will put the needs of others, even those they don't know,
before the needs of themselves.”
“We like to think we know exactly what we would do in a certain
situation. We’d probably slow down if we came upon cars burning in the
middle of the freeway. But would we stop? Would we get out and go toward
the fire to see if anyone needed help? We’re here today because Jim
Swett did stop, and did go toward the fire, and helped save four lives
as a result,” said
Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish.
The three 39th Legislative District lawmakers nominated Swett, a
constituent, for the Medal of Valor, which may go to “any person who has
saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of serious
injury or death to himself or herself.” He was selected at the Medal of
Valor committee’s annual meeting.
Following the ceremony Swett and members of his family joined the other
three honorees for personal congratulations from lawmakers and other
well-wishers in the state Reception Room.
# # #
Sedro-Woolley resident Jim
Swett, second from left, was nominated for the state Medal of Valor by
Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, at left, Sen. Val Stevens,
R-Arlington, and Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe. The honor was presented
Monday at the Capitol before a special session of the House of
Representatives and Senate.
For more information, contact:
John Sattgast, Senior
Information Officer - (360) 786-7257
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