Police officer, citizen honored

Officer Kyle Cessna and Orland resident William Kendrick were honored Monday night for their successful efforts in saving a man's life who was electrocuted in a construction accident last month.

The men came to rescue of Mark Godfrey Jr., 23, on Oct. 19, after he suffered serious injury when a forklift, moving a steel beam, over extended and hit a 12,000 volt power line overhead at C.K. Price Middle School.

Godfrey was electrocuted, and Cessna and Kendrick worked to help him with CPR following the accident that afternoon near a new classroom building going up at the school.

Cessna and Kendrick each received certificates of commendation and "Life Saving" medals in appreciation for their efforts.

Godfrey's father, Mark Godfrey Sr., said he is doing well today thanks to the Orland police officer and the retired firefighter.

"I want to express my gratitude for your quick actions," he said. "It was awesome."

Cessna was called to the scene along with Orland Fire Department volunteers and ambulance personnel.

Kendrick happened to be driving by the school when he saw smoke coming from the forklift tire fire and stopped to investigate, he said.

He saw Godfrey Jr. being dragged away from the burning tractor, Kendrick said. "The kid looked pretty bad, so I tried to help."

While Cessna did compressions during the CPR, Kendrick ventilated Godfrey.

The young man initially was not breathing, the heroes said, but he was stabilized and breathing on his own by the time the ambulance transported him to Enloe Hospital in Chico, Tolle said.

"The officer was very professional and knew what he was doing," Kendrick said, following the accident. "He did an excellent job."

Kendrick worked for the Benecia Fire Department 28 yeas and now works for the Orland Water Users Association.

Members of the Godfrey family attended the ceremony provided hugs for both the officer and Kendrick.

"Thank you very much," Godfrey Jr. said after the medals were presented.

Council members and the audience provided standing ovations to the heroes and gave a round of applause for their efforts.

Another man, Scott Gully, 40, was injured in the accident as well when he attempted to put out the forklift tire fire.

However, Gully refused medical treatment at the scene and was not seriously hurt, officials said.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.