A Williams Lake man was honoured by the city this week for his quick actions which saved a man having a diabetic seizure while driving earlier this year.
Wade Cripps says he’s alive today because of the heroic efforts of Brady Custaloe.
Cripps said he was driving along Mackenzie Avenue in October when he suffered a diabetic seizure.
“I am very thankful he was behind me, in front of me and with me,” Cripps said of Brady, who noticed Cripps’ vehicle in distress and ran to help.
“He saved me from killing myself and anyone else.”
Custaloe said he first realized something was wrong when a vehicle came up behind him on Mackenzie Avenue North, passed him on the inside near Stampede Glass, and was swerving and missing parked cars.
uddenly the vehicle hit a curb and began slowing down.
Custaloe then passed Cripps’ vehicle and pulled into a parking lot.
He got out of his car thinking he’d be able to catch him, but Cripps passed him so he started running down Mackenzie and jumped on the running board.
“His window was open so I could reach in, and thank God it was automatic so I reached in and threw it into park.”
At the regular city council meeting Tuesday, Custaloe was honoured by the Williams Lake RCMP and Mayor Walt Cobb who presented him with a certificate of recognition.
“Thanks to his quick actions Brady was able to stop any further harm to anyone else,” Cst. Dan Cohen said. “Thank you Brady for your bravery. This is a little certificate of our appreciation.”
Custaloe’s mother Kathy Bizicki said since the rescue in October, her son and Cripps have become good friends.
“They go for coffee and Brady often gives Wade rides when he needs them. It is a nice friendship for both of them,” Bizicki said.
Custaloe works the graveyard shift at West Fraser Plywood plant as an auto strapper.
That afternoon he was taking his energetic dog Thor to stay with a friend so he could catch up on his sleep to do an extra 12-hour shift that night.
“I didn’t think twice, I just acted,” Custaloe said of his actions.
“I am getting all this attention but I want people to know there was a young couple driving the other way that stopped and turned around to help as well. They were great.”