LOUISVILLE, Ky. — First responders who assisted with the daring rescue of a semitruck driver from the Second Street Bridge continue to be honored for their work.

What You Need To Know

  •  In March, first repsonders helped rescue a truck driver who's vehicle was dangling off the Second Street bridge. 

  • The Governor named each person involved with the rescue a Kentucky Colonel. 

  • Kentucky colonel is the highest honor the Governor can give.  

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, named each person involved with the rescue a Kentucky Colonel. The title recognizes people who have made “outstanding service to our community, state and nation.” It is the highest honor the governor can hand out.

“What an incredible job, what amazing skill. We don’t just have brave people who show up to do their job, they do it incredibly well,” Gov.Beshear said.

On March 1, a crash on the bridge sent a semitruck over the edge while its driver waited to be rescued. She was trapped in her cab for almost 45 minutes.

“This incredible group of people that are with us to really show the example that when it comes to public service, just like it was on that first day of March, we are a huge team and a very diverse team,” Chief Brian O’Neill, Louisville Fire Department said.

According to the fire department, responders showed up at the scene three minutes after the accident was reported. A Louisville firefighter repelled off the side of the bridge to help the driver to safety and helping to prevent injuries.  

Louisville Metro Police Department also investigated the non-injury crash which led to the truck being suspended. 

“Thank you for showing up each and every day, regardless of what’s going on in your life, to protect the lives of those around you,” Beshear said. 

The Second Street Bridge opened fully to all drivers on Friday, April 12.

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