Kentucky Firefighters Honored for Saving Toddler

Two local firefighters were honored Tuesday for their help in saving the life of a young girl. Sgt. Chad Greathouse and firefighter Ben Vardeman were recognized by the Optimist Club of Louisville for their response and treatment of shooting victims Earon Harper and Erica Hughes in May. Both were found shot in a home on Wilson Avenue. Harper died at the scene, but Hughes was rushed to a hospital in a police patrol car and survived. Hughes is now living with her maternal grandparents. We just cared for that little girl, Greathouse said. It was a different situation, not going in the back of an ambulance, but we were going in the back of a police car. Our supervisors made a split-second decision, and we believe it was the right one. My partner and I did what we could for her on the way to the hospital. Anyone with information on the case asked to call the Louisville Metro Police tip line at 502-574-LMPD. Previous Stories: August 9, 2006: Police Officers Honored For Saving 2-Year-Old Shooting Victim June 14, 2006: Toddler Struck By Bullets Returns Home