THOMASVILLE — The Carnegie Medal is a big deal, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott said Tuesday.

“It is not to be taken lightly,” said Scott, in presenting the Carnegie Medal posthumously to the family of Bruce Maynor, who drowned on April 2017, while saving the life of his godson.

The Carnegie Medal originated when Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, steelmaker Andrew Carnegie decided that ordinary citizens who perform extraordinary acts of heroism should be recognized for their deeds, according to information provided by Scott.

In 1904, a coal mine explosion in Pennsylvania claimed 181 lives. Two victims made ill-fated rescue attempts and died. The act of heroism inspired Carnegie to act.

Carnegie set aside $5 million to recognize civilian heroes and to provide financial assistance for those disabled and dependents of those killed while helping others.

The Carnegie Medal is awarded in the United States and Canada to people who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save others.

Cases submitted are scrutinized by a full-time staff before formal review by the commission established by Carnegie.

People selected for the recognition receive a bronze medal and a financial grant and become eligible for scholarship aid. Dependents of those who die are eligible for additional benefits, including ongoing aid to meet living expenses.

During its existence, the fund has awarded more than 10,000 medals and about $40 million in grants, including scholarship aid and continuing assistance.

 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820