Hamilton County Commissioners on Wednesday awarded three JROTC cadets the Medal of Heroism for saving their fellow cadet’s life.
On Aug. 23, 2015, Andy Heneger, 14, got his foot trapped under a rock at North Chickamauga Creek. He struggled to keep his head above the white water and screamed for help.
His older brother, Trever Heneger jumped in the powerful water and freed Andy’s foot. Zachary Shankles dove in after Trever, and Ryan DesJarlais ran to the scene and called 911.
The three cadets, who all attend Soddy Daisy High School, were there as rescue forces made a rope bridge to bring Andy to safety.
The cadets credited the JROTC program for giving them the skillsets to help Andy.
On Wednesday, Major Eric Redlin, the head of Soddy Daisy High’s JROTC, said Andy would have died had his fellow cadets not been there.
As a result of the “three young heroes’” courage, Commissioner Randy Fairbanks presented them with the Medal of Heroism – the highest cadet award. Regarding the recent hype about bullying at Hamilton County Schools, he said, “We have a lot of good and honorable students also in Hamilton County.”
County Mayor Jim Coppinger – along with every commissioner – stood, applauded, and shook hands with the cadets after they received their award.
Soddy Daisy Mayor Rick Nunley also showed up for the public recognition.
“They really were brave,” Chairman Chester Bankston said after the applause from the audience quieted.
“We just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” Ryan DesJarlais said.