The Wireless Foundation and members of CTIA-The Wireless Association® proudly honored T-Mobile customer, Nick Francis of Apple Valley, Minnesota on Monday, June 2nd with a 2008 VITATM Wireless Samaritan Award. Francis was honored during the 14th Annual Wireless Foundation Achievement Awards Dinner for using his wireless device to help prevent a potential tragedy.
Nick Francis had just stepped outside of his home to check on his two dogs when he heard an explosion and saw his neighbor’s garage erupt in flames. His neighbor, Tryan Winston, ran into the driveway, his clothes on fire from the waist down. After dialing 911 on his wireless phone, Mr. Francis yelled for Mr. Winston to drop and roll but he was too panicked and disoriented. Mr. Francis then grabbed him and pulled him to the ground. Using his bare hands, Mr. Francis patted out the flames while Mr. Winston’s wife evacuated their two young daughters from the house. Mr. Winston suffered third degree burns on his legs and hands, but is expected to make a full recovery.
“Thanks to Nick Fancis’s immediate response and the use of innovative wireless technology, tragedy was averted,” said Steve Largent, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO. “On behalf of the wireless industry, I commend Nick for taking responsibility and stepping up to the plate to lend a hand in this life-threatening situation. Nick is a well-deserving recipient of the 2008 VITATM Wireless Samaritan Award, and we are proud to honor him in this way.”
Every day more than 290,000 wireless phone calls are made to 911. That is why the VITA™ (Latin for "life") Wireless Samaritan Awards are presented annually to recognize people across the United States who used their wireless technology to save lives, stop crime and help in other emergency situations. These individuals exemplify the importance of putting safety first, as well as the crucial role wireless technology can play in emergencies.
In recognition of Nick Francis’s quick thinking and bold action during an urgent situation, he was selected by a panel of law enforcement and emergency response representatives to receive the 2008 VITATM Wireless Samaritan Award. This award honors citizens who have used wireless responsibly in emergencies, and is given annually to roughly thirty recipients nationwide.
The Wireless Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed by member companies of CTIA-The Wireless Association® in 1991. The Foundation oversees a number of programs designed to put wireless technology to work addressing the challenges of society. www.wirelessfoundation.org
Contacts:
Shannon Nix, 202-736-3891
