Ledyard First Responders Honored

LEDYARD, CT—In June, a motorcycle accident in Ledyard ended with rider Seth Johnson, 29, suffering a "catastrophic" leg injury. But for the quick thinking and "heroic efforts" of Gales Ferry Firefighter Steve Burns, Ledyard Police Sgt Alan Muench, Officer First Class Fred Whitlock and Officer Ben Burbank, Johnson may not have survived crash.

Wednesday, two months later, the four first responders were honored for their actions that early morning and were credited with saving his life.

As was reported in June, Life Star transported Johnson after members of the police department, the Ledyard and Gales Ferry Fire companies and American Ambulance were dispatched to the area of Stoddards Wharf and Goulart roads for a "car vs motorcycle" crash.

A minivan driven by Joanne Wilkinson, 55, of Groton crashed into the motorcycle driven by Johnson of Chesapeake, Va.

At the Ledyard Town Council meeting, Johnson and his wife Samantha were on hand to present awards to the first responders.

Police said Johnson "showed amazing courage and is continuing his recovery from the crash. It was a great moment for our officers!"