TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — First responders and neighborhood heroes were honored for their help in the wake of an explosion in Troy. The incident injured two children, and both are recovering, one with severe injuries. Their family is grateful for the actions of first responders, neighbors, and their community that saved their beloved nine year old daughter, Alana. Yet it was Alana’s heroic actions that saved her cousin’s life during the dangerous explosion.
On August 17th, 9-year-old Alana bravely pushed her cousin out of harms way, when a device suddenly exploded in front of their home. She saved his life, but in doing so, faced severe injuries.
“The last three weeks have been a nightmare, that’s the best way that I can put it” Alana’s father, Derrick Harper, explained. “She has been through several surgeries, and, you know, there’s a lot going on. I don’t want to get too much into it. But we’re here right now because of that.”
Tonight, the city of Troy honored the actions of first responders who aided in Alana’s recovery, and ultimately saved her life.
“We have a great city we work for and they provided us with proper training and everything necessary to do our job every day” said Justin Ashe, detective for the Troy Police Department. “It was nothing special we did here, other than just going to work.”
Alana gave her thanks on FaceTime, from her hospital bed.
“I want to say, to everybody, thank you” Alana stated.
Jeff Belschwinder was one neighbor that responded almost immediately the night of the explosion. He applied lifesaving care, administering a tourniquet on her leg.
“Neighbors help neighbors, it’s what we do” Belschwinder explained. “I don’t think anything more of it, than we were helping each other.”
In the wake of the serious incident, he wants everyone to know the importance of carrying a tourniquet, and is pushing for stop the bleed training.
“It’s lifesaving training that anybody can get, and you can make a difference” Belschwinder commented. “Most of the time, first responders are not there. You can be a first responder in that situation.”
While Belschwinder certainly helped save Alana, he also acknowledged the outpour of aid from the community that night.
“I want to thank every neighbor that came out” Belschwinder said. “Every neighbor that supported the family during this time. There were a few individuals that were not here tonight. Thank you. You know who you are, the three of you, you did a great job.”
As Alana continues to recover, her family is asking for support and prayers from the community. They’ve posted a GoFundMe page for financial support.
Payton Cavanaugh
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