Full Transparency
Our editorial transparency tool uses blockchain technology to permanently log all changes made to official releases after publication.
More of our content is being permanently logged via blockchain technology starting [10.23.2020].
PITTSBURGH - Verizon today recognized Jason Woodcook, a switching equipment technician at its Seventh Avenue facility, with the company's prestigious Verizon Heroes Award. Woodcook received the bronze medal for rescuing two men from a burning truck. He is the company's seventh bronze-medal winner nationwide in 2003.
"Employees like Jason make us all proud," said Claire Beth Nogay, Verizon Senior Vice President - Wholesale Markets, who presented the medal to Woodcook during a ceremony at his work location. "Jason's heroic efforts exemplify his selfless commitment to his community, as well as to his company. He is well-deserving of this great honor."
On July 3, Woodcook, a Moon Township resident, was driving home from work when he saw that a load of wood had spilled from a truck onto Valley Street in North Fayette. As Woodcook pulled over to help remove the wood from the road, another truck tried to avoid the debris and swerved out of control. It hit some trees, overturned several times and then burst into flames.
Woodcook immediately rushed to the flaming vehicle to help the two victims trapped inside. Disregarding his own safety, he punched open the back window with his bare fist and pulled two men from the truck. The men subsequently were flown by helicopter to Pittsburgh area hospitals for treatment. Woodcook himself suffered cuts and abrasions from breaking the window.
The bronze Verizon Heroes Award, one of the highest awards for heroism granted by Verizon, is awarded to a Verizon employee who risks his or her own safety in saving the life of another person. The other Verizon Heroes Awards include the gold and silver medals, the citation of meritorious service and a certificate of recognition.
The awards replaced the Theodore N. Vail Medal program, created in 1920 in memory of an early president of the former Bell System.
Verizon Communications
A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $67 billion in revenues and 221,000 employees. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with more than 139 million access line equivalents and 36 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with nearly 16 million long-distance lines. The company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
####