County Worker Recognized for Heroism

Richard Garst and Rick Albrecht were sitting in a left turn lane on their way to work at 5:30 one weekend morning four months ago when they were hit head on.

Garst, who was driving, quickly got out of the car and off the road before a second vehicle hit the county vehicle they were driving, thrusting the steering wheel into the driver's seat.

That's when Garst heard his co-worker's screams. He though Albrecht had gotten out of the car and across the street. The county parole worker didn't hesitate. He went back to the vehicle that had been hit twice to aid his partner.

Albrecht was badly injured. His leg was so severely broken, a bone had pushed up and into his hip plate. His door wouldn't open and he was smelling gas. He knew his life was in danger if he didn't get out of the car immediately.

He was screaming at Garst to get the door open and get him out of the car, no matter what. Garst wrenched the door open but then couldn't pull Albrecht free from the vehicle because his leg was lodged in the vehicle.

Albrecht screamed at Garst to pull him out of the vehicle "even if he had to tear his foot off." Garst said he doesn't know how he did it "all adrenalin," he says, but he pulled Albrecht from the car and carried him across three lanes of traffic before rescue workers arrived.

Albrecht was flown to Bayfront hospital where he underwent the first of several surgeries. Garst went to work where he checked in about 40 workers in the county's offender work program before going to the hospital where he was treated for a broken nose.

Albrecht has had several surgeries over the past four months totaling nearly $300,000. He walks with a cane but hopes to fully recover over the next six months. Doctors were surprised that he was able to survive back-to-back head on crashes without suffering worse injuries.

The first driver who hit their vehicle was charged with DUI.

The County Commission recognized Garst for his heroism, quick action and dedication during Tueday's meeting. Albrecht stood by his side during the county meeting.