Rush Township Police Sergeant Robert Bechtel was honored by the Rush Township board of supervisors and the Chief of Police for his actions in saving a young man’s life.

The incident happened earlier this year July 5 at the intersection of Route 309 and Ben Titus Road in Hometown and involved a Jeep and a motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, Michael Williams of Hazleton, was severely injured, his femoral artery severed and he was losing blood quickly.

“Through his training, he recognized his injuries as life threatening and acted immediately, applying a tourniquet to his leg,” Rush Police Chief Rick Weaver read from a Certificate of Commendation he presented to Bechtel.

“Because of his swift action and recognizing what needed to be done, the motorcycle driver survived and is now recovering from various traumatic injuries.”

Bechtel has been with the Rush Township Police Department since August 2013. He learned the first aid techniques from a course he took.

“I took a ‘Stop The Bleed’ course,” he explained, “and part of the first aid training is knowing how to apply a tourniquet properly.”

Williams, the driver of the motorcycle, attended the meeting along with his father, Rocco Marolo. Both live in Hazleton.

Williams attended the meeting in a wheelchair. His rehabilitation has been long, and he has a long way to go. He continues to receive rehab services at his home.

When asked how he was doing, Williams replied, “I’m doing better than I was before.”

Marolo, shook Sgt. Bechtel’s hand.

“Thank you for saving my son’s life,” he said.