Text Box: September, 2006 Text Box: Jonathan Sallee Wilmore's Small Town Hero As the world listened to the news on Sunday, August 27th we were devastated to learn about the plane accident that occurred nearby at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, killing 49 people. There was one survivor. It was determined that First Officer James Polehinke was piloting the plane according to the National Transportation Safety Board. He was pulled from the wreckage by three men. Lexington Police Officer Bryan Jared, a seven-year veteran, and airport officers, Pete Maupin, a 12 year veteran, and Jonathan Sallee, a six month rookie. They were the first responders to the downed plane's site. Jon is from Wilmore; he is the son of Robert and Phyllis Sallee. Past work experience for Jon includes working for the Nicholasville Police and Jessamine County Sheriff's Departments; he is currently employed at the Bluegrass Airport. Jon also is a member of the Wilmore Fire Department, and continues to be a volunteer when he's available. Jon's extended family has always been instrumental in providing public safety to the Wilmore community. His grandfather, James Anderson, served the community for 40 years on the Fire Department and as Wilmore's Fire Chief for 17 of those years. In 1999, Jon's uncle, Jeff Anderson, took over the family tradition of helping others and has continued to lead and train the team of volunteers as Wilmore's Fire Chief. Jon was raised around the fire department and grew up in a family who all share the values of trying to help others. Text Box: Jon is a Wilmore Firefighter and Paramedic. As a first responder to Flight 5191, Jon was wearing a different hat, but his upbringing and training in Wilmore surely contributed positively to this tragedy. There will be more responses, but each response is guided by the dedication and training of those who serve the public. Thanks Jon, we are proud to have YOU as OUR HOME TOWN HERO! God Bless You. Text Box: Jon Sallee, one of the first responders to Flight 5191. Knowing what to do and how to react in an emergency situation became second nature to Jon during the rescue of the plane's only survivor. Being a hero can be humbling. Jon carried out his job as he has been trained to do and he did it right. Many thanks to Jon for his recent act of heroism; we appreciate you and your co-workers. Every day men and women in public safety put on their uniforms to go to work and they risk their lives. We are very lucky to have you ALL to protect us! Our loving community is grateful and we thank you very much.