Dec 23, 2018 3 min read

It was certainly good news to hear of two Ohiopyle men receiving honors for their bravery during a river rescue last year.

Whitewater rafting guides Patrick Nolan McCarty and Eric Martin saved two women in the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle in 2017. This month, they are among 18 others from across the country and Canada chosen from about 1,000 nominations as Carnegie heroes.

Jewels Phraner, spokeswoman for the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, said the Carnegie Medal was given to 16 individuals in the United States and two in Canada this year. The award is given to those who selflessly put their own lives at risk to save others.

As with anywhere, our local communities receive their fair share of stereotypical criticism and comments from both residents and those living elsewhere. Yes, we have crime and drugs and poverty and ignorance. Maybe more so than some other places in the state. But let’s not let those things define who we are as a whole. We are willing to bet there is much more good than bad. And men like McCarty and Martin remind us all that our neighborhoods are full of people who continuously go above and beyond to the benefit of others.

They are referred to as “the helpers,” a recognizable phrase by the late Fred Rogers, a local man who rose to fame with the production of PBS’ children’s television show Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,” Rogers had recalled from a conversation with his mother.

Those words can certainly bring a comfort in times of tragedy or disaster, but they can also be applied to everyday life. When we get too consumed with what isn’t right about where we live, if we too remember the helpers like McCarty and Martin, and the many others who make a difference, we start to see things with a fresh perspective.

“I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world,” Rogers said.

Yes, we are deeply grateful for the people who save lives. They truly are heroes. But helpers come in all forms – the teacher who inspires, the neighbor who listens, the congregation that rallies for a cause. Helpers fight fires, donate blood, volunteer their time. They go off to war, organize community events, and support local businesses.

As part of the award, Carnegie Hero honorees or their survivors receive a financial grant.

McCarty said the financial assistance he receives will be used to further develop a water rescue team at Ohiopyle.

It is a testament to his good character, his devotion to giving back to the community, and an insurance that generations to come will be afforded the opportunities to look for new helpers when they need them.