HARRISBURG – Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) and Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) recognized the extraordinary actions of three local heroes from Lebanon County with legislative citations on Tuesday at the Richland Borough meeting.
“These men’s actions demonstrate the best of our community,” Gebhard said. “Without their quick response, there most certainly would have been a far worse outcome, and I’m honored to be able to recognize their heroism.”
“Daulton, Kevin and Rory showed extraordinary bravery and selflessness stepping in and putting themselves in potential danger” Diamond stated. “The intuitive and swift actions of these three men were pivotal in saving a man’s life.”
In the early morning hours of Aug. 1, Daulton Faust and Kevin Kepley, members of the Neptune Fire Company, and Rory Righter witnessed a construction truck stuck on the railroad tracks in Richland Borough, Lebanon County. As the train quickly approached, the three bystanders sprang into action and pulled the driver from the truck just sixteen seconds before the train struck the vehicle, effectively saving his life.
Kevin has served with the Neptune Fire Company for more than eight years and is its current president. Dalton joined the Neptune Fire Company in 2022 as a junior firefighter. Rory is a former Boy Scout with the rank of Life Scout and is also a member of the FFA at ELCO High School. Norfolk Southern confirmed the freight train crew was uninjured.
GEBHARD CONTACT: Alex Gamble
DIAMOND CONTACT: Jennifer Fitch