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South Atlantic League

Mercersburg Man Named Hagerstown Sun For A Day

August 10, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1) News Release


HAGERSTOWN, MD -- Jim Malone, a science teacher from Mercersburg, Pa. who in November of 2007 pulled a man from a burning vehicle just seconds before it was consumed by flames, has been selected to become a "Hagerstown Sun for a Day," the Suns announced Monday.

Malone, who to this day continues to quietly raise money for the man whose life he saved, will sign an official one-day contract with the Suns prior to their 7:05 p.m. game against Augusta on Friday, August 14. He will receive a personalized Suns jersey, his own locker in the clubhouse, and the chance to take batting practice with the Suns before Friday night's game.

"It is so wonderful that the Suns have blessed Jim with this award," said Regina Windsor, whose husband, Elmer, was driving west on Pa. 16 when a collision with another car sent his truck spinning into flames. "Not only did Jim rescue my husband without even knowing him, but he is always my knight in shining armor -- the last three years he has been an angel on Christmas for my little boy [Anthony], he's been there on Thanksgiving, and he always remembers birthdays."

Malone's uniquely generous relationship with the Windsor family began on November 26, 2007, when Malone stopped the van full of Mercersburg Academy girls' basketball players that he was driving to come to the aid of a truck emitting flames on the side of the road.

Malone was joined on the scene by fellow Mercersburg residents Michael Laubs and Richard Murphy, who also made the decision to stop their cars and come to Windsor's rescue. The men were unsure if there was anyone inside the vehicle, but Malone retrieved a fire extinguisher from his van and, as Laubs tended to the flames, Malone began checking the truck for passengers.

"I looked inside and saw a gentleman laying on the seat and said, 'Hey, there's somebody in there,'" Malone recounted. "There was so much adrenaline going at that point, Mike said, 'Well, pull him out,' and I reached in and took him out of there."

Another Mercersburg native, Jen Roper, arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and began using her training as a paramedic to treat Windsor once he had been pulled to safety. A few minutes later, an ambulance arrived, having been summoned by the Mercersburg Academy girls' basketball players using their cell phones.

Windsor spent five days in a coma following the accident -- and nearly a month after that in the hospital recovering from his physical and neurological wounds -- but today he is living at home and able to express his gratitude for Malone's bravery.

"He pulled me out, and he was a good guy, because I guess if it wasn't for him, I'd be dead," Windsor said.

Windsor was carrying $1,200 in his glove compartment on the night of the accident -- money intended as a down payment and a first month's rent on a trailer for his family -- but lost the entire sum in the flames. Luckily for the Windsor's Malone's heroism did not stop at the scene of the accident. Malone continues to raise money at the school where he teaches to purchase groceries for the Windsor family and furniture for their new apartment. Malone has stayed in close touch with the Windsors, and is happy to report that he is able to visit them every few months.

"Jim is a really nice, humble guy, and he doesn't get any credit for it because he doesn't go out trying to get credit," said Jo Wrzesinsky, one of Malone's co-workers at Mercersburg Academy, who nominated Malone to become a Sun for a day. "He is always looking out for other people, and always putting other people first."

As part of his routine as an honorary Sun on Friday, Malone will have the opportunity to take the field with the team during the National Anthem, sit in the dugout during the first few innings of the game and have a private autograph session with the Suns.

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