Clark County man honored by Fiscal Court for life-saving heroics

Published 4:10 pm Monday, March 27, 2023

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When trouble strikes, it is typical that individuals will encounter the fight or flight response. Some might walk away, while others decide to take action. Thankfully, one Winchester resident, David Greene, was present to fight.

For his efforts in saving the life of Michelle Blackburn, David Greene was recognized by the Clark County Fiscal Court on Thursday evening.

“Very seldom do we see someone who takes their own initiative to help someone they don’t even know,” said Magistrate Robert Blanton. “I would propose we adopt a resolution tonight to recognize Mr. Greene.”

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On March 10, Blackburn suffered a dire health emergency – a stroke – and was in a position where she was incapable of tending to herself.

Observing the seriousness of the situation and that nobody else was delivering aid, Greene sprung into action.

Resolution 23-3 mentioned that Mr. Greene “abandoned his own responsibilities and became the first to respond and take life-saving measures by summoning professional emergency medical assistance, [and] rendering care and assurance until they arrived.”

Two weeks later, Blackburn is safely recovering and – though visibly emotional – joined Greene as family and friends watched him be honored.

“The selfless and heroic first response of David Greene saved Michelle Blackburn from a dire medical emergency and indeed saved her life,” Blanton said. “David Greene is hereby recognized and pronounced a Clark County good samaritan and shall forever be remembered for his immediate and life-saving response.”

Despite the recognition, Greene remained modest.

“I don’t do it for me,” he said.

Greene and Blackburn embraced each other in a hug after the resolution was read.

The Fiscal Court also talked about considering the approval of a resolution to apply for a HUD Community Development Block Grant Fund for a sanitary sewer project.

A resolution had been previously approved last year under then-Clark County Judge Executive Henry Branham.

At that time, the Fiscal Court approved by a 4-3 vote to transfer $3 million in ARPA funds to the Clark County Sanitation District.

However, following staff changes, state representatives from Frankfort recommended that a resolution be reconsidered once more to ensure authorization under current Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates.

While the resolution passed ultimately, some Magistrates had differing opinions.

“I agree that we need to apply for the [Community Development] Block Grant, but I’m still of the opinion that those people who are benefitting the most need to have some sort of skin in the game and some sort of financial commitment to this aside from the Fiscal Court and Kentucky American Water,” said Blanton.

“These plants are on the verge of failing regardless if they have the funds available or not, which they do not, or they already would’ve replaced them,” said Magistrate Dan Konstanopoulos. “It’s [going to] fall back on the County regardless. We have no choice in regards to taking care of this because it’s going to be our expense one way or another.”