Life-saving community effort is now a reality in Adrian

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By SHARON KIESEL

Something that was just a dream about a year ago is now a reality. Adrian now has a new heliport for air ambulance service for the city, surrounding rural areas and neighboring communities.
The new helipad, located on Optimist Community Building grounds at the corner of Old 71 Highway and Co-Op Road, is the brain child of Adrian Lions Club member Joey Bailey.

Joey said he talked to Chief Dizney first, then Lions member Ken Newsome got involved. Soon after, Jim Johnson with the Harrisonville helipad joined in, and everything snowballed from there.

The joint effort between the Lions and Optimist Clubs encouraged many others to become involved with donations of money, time, talent and labor. The end result was evident at the ribbon cutting ceremony with nearly 200 people in attendance last Tuesday, July 28. Many people were recognized for their contributions, including those who volunteered the use of their machinery or skills.

“On behalf of the Adrian Fire Department, we are very grateful to the community for supporting us the way everyone has done,” Chief Dizney expressed. “Hopefully, the helipad with ultimately help to save many lives.”

Right: A large crowd gathered at the new helipad site. On behalf of the 20 volunteer firefighters, Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney said: “When you see Steve Oldfield bouncing his grandson on his knee, that is all the payback we will ever need for the work we do.”

Middle: The crowd gathered around the helipad after Life Flight landed for the first time.

Far right: Countless people helped make the need for a helipad a reality for Adrian and area communities. Leading the pack are (front row, left to right): Life Flight Representative Jimmy Johnson, Optimist Member Leroy Edmiston and Lions Member Joey Bailey. Back row, left to right: Adrian Mayor Larry Ritter, Adrian Firefighter Kenny Newsome, Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney, Bates County Hospital EMT Mike Davidson and Bates County Hospital EMT Ray Jones.

photos by Mike Burris

Posted August 5th, 2009
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