The Westville Correctional Facility chaplain has been named Ambassador of the Quarter for his quick and selfless action taken to assist an injured driver, the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) said.

Late last year, Chaplain Steve Green was southbound on U.S. Highway 421 to attend a meeting in Indianapolis when, just north of Highway 10, he observed a vehicle off the roadway, turned upside down in a deep water-filled ravine.

Green pulled off to help other motorists who had stopped, determined that one of them had called for emergency assistance, then learned that no one had ventured down to the vehicle to see if there were any passengers in the vehicle or their condition.

Green entered the ditch, having to cross over the bottom side of the car to get to the driver, who was partially hanging out the back door. The man was unconscious, covered in mud, and initially unresponsive.

“Green’s emergency response and first aid training from the facility kicked in,” DOC said. “He checked for breathing and a pulse again and was relieved to find them. He remained with the driver of the vehicle, offering words of encouragement and moral support while keeping him immobile to prevent further injury. He remained at the young man’s side until emergency personnel arrived on the scene, and then assisted them with the extrication of the driver. The driver was ultimately airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Green cleaned himself off as best he could, then got back in his vehicle and continued on to his meeting.

“This is not the first time Chaplain Green has aided in an accident and it surely will not be the last as those who know him recognize his commitment to helping his fellow man,” Superintendent Mark Levenhagen said.

Posted 2/12/2013