One of MEA’s long-time employees, Bill Jardel, was recently awarded MEA’s Safety Award for his heroic actions saving a woman and baby from a dog attack. Mr. Jardel serves on MEA’s clearing crew, a team of employees responsible for trimming trees in the right-of-way. Last summer Mr. Jardel was trimming trees near Trapper Creek, when he suddenly heard a woman shouting. The shouting quickly turned into screaming. Mr. Jardel dropped his tools and raced toward the woman’s voice. He found a woman holding a baby over her head and a large dog viciously barking and lunging at the woman and baby.
Mr. Jardel raced toward them to offer help. The dog quickly turned and him. Mr. Jardel swung his MEA hardhat at the dog and then began punching the attacking animal, knocking it back on its haunches.
Mr. Jardel continued to kick and punch the animal until it turned and fled. Returning to the distraught woman and crying baby, Bill ensured that they were alright.
At a recent company meeting, MEA Interim General Manager Joe Griffith presented Mr. Jardel with the MEA Safety Award. Mr. Griffith applauded the quick thinking and bravery of Mr. Jardel and said that such acts bring great credit to MEA’s employees. Further, Mr. Jardel likely saved the woman and baby from grievous harm. Mr. Griffith said he was proud to have employees like Bill working for the utility and is very pleased to work with such men and women.