AUBURN -- Area emergency workers were recognized Saturday for taking part in a rescue that saved the life of an accident victim.

The Irene Bisgrove Theater at Cayuga Community College was filled with friends, family and men and women in their dress uniforms being honored with the state Assembly Medal of Merit, the highest award given by an Assemblyman.

Assemblyman Gary Finch, R-Springport, hosted the event to recognize those who took part in the rescue after a horrific car accident that Finch had witnessed in January on Route 34 in Fleming in which a woman's car struck a utility pole and rolled over, trapping her inside.

Those honored were 43 first responders from the Cayuga County Emergency Management Office, Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, the Fleming Volunteer Fire Department, the Owasco Volunteer Fire Department, Rural Metro ambulance and the Navarino Volunteer Fire Department for their acts of bravery and professionalism.

In addition to the Medal of Merit, Finch awarded proclamations to each of the departments involved. He also awarded the Cayuga County Sheriffs Office, Owasco Fire Department, and both Fleming Volunteer Fire Department companies #1 and #2 with $2,500 state grants for future training programs.

Several of the first respondents worked together in getting the injured woman out of her car and into a helicopter as quickly as possible so that she could receive emergency hospital treatment.

Volunteer firefighter Sam Hosier of Fleming's Company #2 was one of the first on the scene since he lived close to where the accident took place. Hosier blocked off the road and helped detour traffic, he also helped direct the landing of the helicopter in the middle of Route 34.

"I feel as though I am doing a service for the community and I like the companionship with the men and the women in the department," Hosier said.

Hosier said he first became a firefighter in Fleming in 1944. He was forced to leave the department when he went to fight in World War II and rejoined 19 years ago.

Brad Cassler, a volunteer firefighter with the Navarino Fire Department in Onondaga County was on his way to Groton when he happened upon the accident and offered his assistance.

Cassler, a firefighter since 1979, said was surprised to be honored by Finch.

"It's nice to be recognized. Stuff like this happens every day and it's nice to be recognized for it," he said. "I like helping people, which is the main reason why I am a firefighter."

"It is so important to recognize all of our people that we tend to take for granted until the moment arrives when we are in danger or someone we happen upon is in danger. They are all our heroes," Finch said.