Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital employee Kayla Knotts and her boyfriend Lewis County Deputy Charles Kirkpatrick were honored recently for their help in saving a Harrison County resident’s life in June. Knotts works at Dr. Khalid Mahmoud’s medical office.

The Harrison County Commission honored the pair in July for their actions.  The medical emergency occurred while the couple was having dinner at the Clarksburg Country Club on June 5.

“We were eating dinner and heard a commotion at the next table,” Knotts said. “We looked over and the gentleman was having a heart attack.  We could tell by his responses and the look on his face that something was terribly wrong.”

Kirkpatrick leaped across the table to help the gentleman while Knotts called 911. 

“We were so fortunate that the EMS was able to get there in about ten minutes.  We were there at the right time,” explained Knotts.  “We are now the best of friends with the patient and his wife. After the heart attack, he had to have three operations in seven days and has done quite well.”

During the Commission ceremony, Harrison County Commission President Ron Watson said Kirkpatrick performed a “miraculous act to save an individual’s life.  Thanks to the quick thinking of Charlie Kirkpatrick and his girlfriend, Kayla Knotts, this Harrison County resident is alive today.”

Harrison Sheriff Robert Matheny presented Kirkpatrick with a sheriff’s citation for “quick lifesaving actions during a serious medical incident involving a Harrison County resident at the Clarksburg Country Club.”

“Your actions just show what law enforcement is all about. We’re in a tough time here with a lot of people coming against our profession, and you serve our profession well and serve our people well,” Matheny said.