Duke Energy Contractor to the rescue: Women attacked by dogs thanks worker Tree service contractor presented with award for Sept. 1 act of bravery Sue Loughlin The Tribune-Star - Oct 21 2011
TERRE HAUTE - Jayleen Strole remains in pain seven weeks after an attack by three dogs left her with a deep gash in her leg, for which she is still seeking treatment.
But it could have been much worse, said the 52-year-old Strole. She credits Roger Baynum with potentially saving her life. "I wouldn't be here today if not for this young man," she said.
On Sept. 1, Strole was walking near her home in Rosedale when she was suddenly attacked by the large dogs. Baynum, employed by Townsend Tree Service, had been working nearby performing tree-clearing work near power lines as a contractor for Duke Energy.
When he saw the dogs attack Strole, the 33-year-old Baynum immediately came to her aid and fought off the dogs until they retreated. He then calmed Strole and administered first aid using a kit Townsend employees are required to keep in their vehicles. He also called 911. "I just reacted more than anything," said Baynum, of Bloomington. "It happened so fast, there really was no time to think."
On Thursday, representatives of Duke and Townsend gave special recognition to Baynum and presented him with a plaque. They also gave Strole a bouquet of roses.
"Roger clearly saved her from a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," said Phil Chambers, president and chief operating officer of Townsend Corp. In responding, Baynum put himself in danger. Townsend employees receive much safety training and are required to attend CPR and first aid training and refresher courses, Chambers said.
Baynum said that training "kicked in" when he came to Strole's rescue. "I think it helped out a lot," he said. He also believes "more people should start looking out for each other. I think this country would be in much better shape."
During the Sept. 1 incident, he noted that several people drove by and did not stop to assist. "That's disheartening to me," Baynum said. Gary Williams, a Duke representative, told Baynum, "We want you to know how much Duke Energy appreciates your act of kindness, citizenship and bravery when you helped Jayleen."
During the presentation, Strole said, "I'm so glad he stepped up to the plate and took it upon himself that he was going to get involved."
Baynum said, "It was pretty scary, wasn't it?"
While the dogs initially retreated, they were about to attack again when a neighbor shot a gun and scared the dogs away.
"They came back to attack us again while my back was turned," Baynum said. "Those dogs weren't stopping."
He learned later that prior to the attack on Strole, the dogs had trapped another woman in her vehicle.
He initially tried to scare off the dogs using his vehicle, but when that didn't work, he got out and beat one off of her, which scared them all away, he said.
Strole went to her personal doctor for treatment and received 18 stitches, but the wound was too deep. She is now going each week to the Union Hospital Wound Healing Center, which will continue for several more weeks. The wound occurred to her calf.
As she talks about the incident, she says, "It was a day I don't want to relive."
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