STATE WILDLIFE OFFICER KEN BEBOUT RECEIVES ODNR DIRECTOR’S VALOR AWARD
Ohio Department of Natural Resources recognizes Officer Bebout’s life-saving actions
COLUMBUS, OH – State Wildlife Officer Ken Bebout, assigned to Pickaway County, was recognized with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director’s Valor Award for aiding a man suffering from hypothermia at Deer Creek Lake in January 2008.
Officer Bebout observed a capsized boat in the lake near some waterfowl decoys. Upon investigation, he found Thomas Rich Cordray and Jim Hemming, who had been duck hunting on the lake when their boat capsized. Mr. Hemming was suffering from hypothermia, and Officer Bebout quickly began treatment and called for a medical squad for assistance. Hemming was treated for hypothermia at Berger Hospital in Circleville. Officer Bebout’s immediate action likely saved Mr. Hemming’s life.
“Officer Bebout’s actions had a direct affect on making sure that Mr. Hemming would live it to hunt again,” said David M. Graham, Chief of the Division of Wildlife. “The Division of Wildlife is very proud of Officer Bebout’s actions.”
Officer Bebout was presented with the ODNR Director’s Valor Award on April 17, 2008.