Off-duty Kennewick firefighter recognized for saving lost, injured woman
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- Off-duty Kennewick firefighter Garrett Trappett located missing 77-year-old woman.
- He found her injured, dehydrated and tangled in a fence, then called medics.
- Benton County awarded Trappett the Citizen Service Award and praised his action.
An off-duty Kennewick firefighter is being celebrated after helping find a 77-year-old Benton City woman.
Betty Kennard, who suffers from dementia, walked away from her home in a small rural neighborhood near Yakitat Road on Sept. 30, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said.
Kennard was known to walk away from home, but usually doesn’t leave the property. Family reported her missing and began the search. They were able to find a camera showing her leaving the house.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office enlisted help from search and rescue and had a drone looking for any sign of where she had gone, Benton County Interim Sheriff Mike Clark said.
Kennewick Firefighter Garrett Trappett lives in the area and was hiking when he discovered Kennard on a neighboring property to where she lived.
She had fallen earlier and had a head injury. She also became tangled in a fence and was lying down, Clark said. She was dehydrated as well.
He immediately called for help and carried her up a hill to meet responding medics, ensuring she received life-saving care.
The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition is not known.
In response, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office awarded Trappett with the Citizen Service Award.
“Garrett’s quick thinking, compassion and willingness to act without hesitation reflect the very best of our community!” the sheriff’s office said in its Facebook post about the award.
The Kennewick Firefighters union also congratulated the firefighter.
“Being a member of (the Kennewick firefighters union) isn’t just about providing professional EMS and fire services to the citizens of Kennewick,” the union said on its Facebook page. “It’s about courage, compassion and taking action whenever and wherever it’s needed.”