Local firefighter, soldier helps save toddler who was in hot car

By Nicole June

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A Montgomery County volunteer firefighter and combat medic at Fort Campbell is responsible for helping to save the life of a young child who was pulled from a hot car earlier this month.

James Daniel Munns recently visited San Antonio, TX for a military leadership course. On Aug. 11, his skills and training were put to the test when he encountered an emergency situation at a Verizon store, just hours before his flight back home.

Munns said he had been in the store for about 20 minutes when two women rushed out and came back inside carrying a toddler who had become red and hot to the touch and was visibly in distress. The child had been forgotten in a vehicle outside. He took immediate action and treated the toddler for symptoms of potential heat exhaustion before emergency crews arrived.

“Had it not been for U.S. Army Combat Medic and Firefighter Munns’ hasty action the potential outcome of this situation could have been extremely detrimental for the child. His dedication to the protection of life is clearly shown through his actions and professionalism on scene,” San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood wrote in a letter to Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

“To save someone’s life is always a great feeling,” Munns said. “It’s good to know you’ve had a positive impact on the public. That’s the reason why people do these volunteer positions and go into emergency services. They want to help other people and they get a feeling of being a complete person by helping other people.”

County Mayor Jim Durrett will recognize SSG Munns for his actions at the informal County Commission meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m., in the Commission Chambers of the Historic Courthouse.

“Our volunteer firefighters do what they do because they have a heart for service. James Munns is certainly a great example of this, shown by how even when he was attending training in another state, he quickly stepped in to assist when a child was in need. His actions potentially saved that child’s life and we are fortunate to have him as a volunteer firefighter,” said Montgomery County Fire Chief Jerry Buchanan.

Fort Campbell LTC Erin Miller also praised Munns.

“As a member of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), SSG Munns is a shining example of the relationship the soldiers of Fort Campbell have built, and will continue to build with the communities of Montgomery County.”