Columbiana County commissioners present a proclamation to Ohio Wildlife Officer Jesse Janosik, honoring his heroism for saving the life of a child struck by a riding lawn mower in July. Pictured Wednesday from left are Commissioners Tim Weigle and Roy Paparodis, Janosik and Commissioner Mike Halleck. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — Ohio Wildlife Officer Jesse Janosik said he just did what he’s supposed to do as a first responder when he saved a child who was struck by a riding lawn mower on July 18 in the Franklin Square area.

“I would think that anybody else in my position would do the same thing,” Janosik said.

The Leetonia resident received another honor Wednesday when the Columbiana County Board of Commissioners presented him with a proclamation recognizing his “valiant heroism,” noting the fact that Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz recently gave him the director’s Valor Award for his lifesaving actions.

The director’s award was announced last week and Salem resident Tom Butch, who serves on the board of the Columbiana County Park District, is a member of the Columbiana County Federation of Conservation Clubs and previously worked for ODNR, suggested commissioners issue a proclamation.

The proclamation read into the record by Commissioner Mike Halleck detailed how Janosik was the first responder on the scene and provided lifesaving first aid to the child, with his actions greatly affecting the child’s survival.

“Officer Janosik remained calm, courageous, clear-headed and brave during a highly stressful situation, all the while communicating vital information to Columbiana County dispatch,” the proclamation said, noting that “Officer Janosik delegated duties to others on the scene, caring for the child’s wounds until emergency medical technicians arrived.”

Janosik said he was honored by the proclamation and the Valor Award, but also said he was just doing his job. He spoke to the young boy’s mom not too long ago and learned he’s in good spirits.

“He’s here. I think that’s the best award I can get,” Janosik said.

In other business, Halleck expressed condolences for Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District Program Administrator Pete Conkle and his family after his mother passed away Saturday.

Salem resident Ray Cox, who unsuccessfully ran for commissioner against fellow Salem resident Tim Ginter during the recent election, offered congratulations to Commissioner-elect Ginter and thanked the commissioners for their courtesy and professionalism to him during the election process and past year. He’s been coming to commissioner meetings on a regular basis.

Halleck told Cox he’s one of the nicest and most decent persons he’s ever met and Commissioner Roy Paparodis complimented him on running a clean campaign.

In other matters, commissioners authorized county Engineer Bert Dawson to sign a purchase agreement with Prestige Properties to buy .029 acres at St. Clair Avenue and McCoy Avenue in East Liverpool. County Chief Deputy Sanitary Engineer Troy Graft explained the plot of land will serve as the new location for a pump station to replace a dilapidated pump station in that area. Graft said the new pump station will serve a small section of Calcutta in that immediate area, including residences and businesses.

Commissioners gave permission for Dan Volpe of Salem to trap during the 2024/2025 season on county-owned land on County Home Road, Lisbon and approved American Rescue Plan Act expenses of $500,000 for the county development department to provide grants for projects and $50,000 for Wayne Township for a garage/equipment storage facility. Halleck said every township has gotten something from the ARPA funds.

Commissioners approved an agreement between the county and the state of Ohio Department of Administrative Services for Ohio 911 regarding the Next Generation 911 system. Commissioner Tim Weigle, who serves on the 911 committee, explained this is for the upgrade to the new state system, noting that Columbiana County was part of a pilot program connected to the state system since 2017. He said the county has proven that the system works and everybody is able to communicate with other jurisdictions. The state gave the county more than $324,000 toward the equipment costs for the upgrade.

The next meeting of county commissioners will be Nov. 20 in the first floor meeting room of the downtown courthouse.