First responders, professional and civilian who helped survivors of December’s Amtrak crash were honored by the Washington state Senate Wednesday.
“I don’t think we express thanks often enough,” said Senator Hans Zeiger, R-Puyallup.
Senators unanimously approved a resolution recognizing more than 20 paramedics, law enforcement officers, and members of the public who helped at the scene, including friends Alicia Hoverson and Daniel Konzelman.
“It’s said that Daniel and Alicia saved 15 people that day,” Zeiger said during a speech from the Senate floor.
“It’s a very unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Hoverson, who said she was honored to be recognized along with state troopers and first responders from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Three people were killed and dozens were injured when the Amtrak train crashed on a bridge above I-5 on December 18.
“There was just a need and we saw people. There was no one helping,” said Hoverson, who was on her way to work when the train crashed ahead of her.
She said she saw some things that morning she will never forget but has no regrets helping the survivors.
“To be there to carry them and pray with them and love on them,” said Hoverson. “One lady said, ‘I thought you were an angel until I saw you on the news.’”
