Local Officer Josh Watt To Receive National Carnegie Hero Fund Medal

Officer Josh Watt (EV file photo)

Local Officer Named To National Award Recipient List For Heroic Act

Darren Doyle, story:
Local Parole and Probation Officer Josh Watt has been named a 2018 recipient of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Medal for his action at the scene of a horrific crash on June 26, 2017. 

Officer Watt was credited for saving the life of James Allman and his 17 year old passenger, Alyssa L. Gore who were trapped upside down in a burning truck after the June 26, 2017 crash. Officer Watt cut the seat belt of Miss Gore, removing her from the burning truck and was able also pull Mr. Allman out of the truck while his clothes were on fire. 

First reported by the Edmonson Voice on June 26th, news of the the heroic act of Officer Watt quickly spread around the region, state, and the country. Watt was soon recognized by multiple organizations and agencies and was recently named the state's VFW Police Officer of the Year.

The Edmonson Voice received a statement from the CHFC today announcing the news.

"Established April 15, 1904 by Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission was created to recognize outstanding acts of selfless heroism performed in the United States and Canada," the statement said. "The Commission awards the CARNEGIE MEDAL to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others."

Images of the front and back of the Carnegie Hero Commission Medal.

Edmonson Voice photo of the burning truck shortly after the crash on June 26, 2017.

​Officer Watt was among one of 18 recipients named today from across the U.S. and Canada. The heroes announced today are the first awards made in 2018 and bring to 10,009 the total number since the Pittsburgh-based Fund's inception in 1904. Commission Chair Mark Laskow said each of the awardees or their survivors will also receive a financial grant. Throughout the 114 years since the Fund was established by industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, $39.9 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance.

"I am honored to have been chosen for this," Watt told the Edmonson Voice.

According to the CHFC, Watt will receive his medal and an undisclosed financial grant at an upcoming ceremony. Watt lives in Chalybeate with his wife, Jordan, and his daughter Charlotte.