Leah Smith is accompanied by Logan County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Jake Boyd, left, and Drew Dixon, who developed a project to install a wheelchair-accessible ramp at her home on County Road 85. (LOGAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PHOTO)
An area teen’s life has been completely changed following an automobile crash May 27, but inspired by the 16-year-old girl’s determined spirit through a difficult ordeal, several deputies from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office recently utilized their talents and teamwork to complete a project that will make life a little easier for her and her family.
July 17, Deputies Drew Dixon and Jake Boyd and Sgt. Ryan Brown worked together to construct a wheelchair ramp at the home of Leah Smith along County Road 85 near Belle Center, just inside Hardin County. Lumber and materials for the ramp were donated by Lowe’s of Bellefontaine.
“Doing this job, it’s really more than just responding to calls,” Deputy Dixon explained this week. “At times, we see a need and we are able to step up and help the community.”
The deputy said he and several others from the office were on the scene of the crash on State Route 292 near Township Road 141, where passenger Leah sustained severe injuries to her legs and needed to be airlifted by MedFlight helicopter to Grant Medical Center for treatment.
Fortunately, the first responders said they also were aided by several area residents who happened across the crash scene and had specialized first aid knowledge. They were able to apply tourniquets to her legs prior to the arrival of emergency crews and helped to save the young lady’s life, deputies noted.
Perry Township Fire Department Chief Doug Henry reported that Lifesaving Awards were presented earlier this month during the Perry Township Independence Day festivities to the Penhorwood family, including Mataya and Bryden Penhorwood who live nearby the crash scene, and to Dan Queen, for their quick-thinking actions that day.
“Something as horrible as this was — if these people wouldn’t have stepped up, it could have been much worse,” the fire chief said.
As a result of the rollover crash, the 16-year-old lost both of her legs and would spend the next several weeks recovering in the Columbus hospital, completing intensive physical therapy.
Deputy Dixon was able to follow up with her family and learned that Leah would be staying at her grandparents’ home after she was released from the hospital, but that it was not very wheelchair accessible at the time.
That spurred the ramp idea for Deputy Dixon, who remembered that fellow Deputy Boyd was a skilled carpenter and former contractor. Deputy Boyd was on board with the project immediately.
“I’ve built many things on my own and enjoy building decks, so it was a natural fit and I was so happy to be able to help,” he said, explaining that he was able to create building plans for the ramp and cut the lumber ahead of the July 17 install date.
“I think each of us deputies remember what it was like to be 16, and what a tough time that was to navigate. We’ve been so amazed at how Leah has pulled through everything she’s been through and want to encourage and support her as much as we can through this time.”
As the idea was further discussed, LCSO Communications Supervisor Christy Astorino also was able to reach out to Lowe’s of Bellefontaine regarding the supplies needed for this effort, and the local business generously provided everything on Deputy Boyd’s list.
After the wheelchair ramp was completed at the Belle Center area residence, the deputies said it was especially rewarding to meet with Leah and her family and to see her take a turn down the ramp.
Prior to the construction project, Leah’s family needed to help lift her down several steps to get outside, which tended to be a painful process for the teen. Now getting outdoors and to her physical therapy appointments is less taxing.
“Now Leah can go outside if she wants to enjoy some fresh air and maybe read a book,” Deputy Boyd said. “At the end of the day, it’s about people helping people.”
“We’re so happy that it made a difference,” Deputy Dixon said.