THREE MILE — Two local men, who rushed to the aid of a Canadian man who collapsed at Three Mile Store on June 21, have been honored with the Lifesaver Award. 

At around 3 p.m., Irvin Sobry, 81, of Creston, British Columbia was unresponsive in his car at the Three Mile Store. 

Nick Ege, a North Bench firefighter and Army veteran, was outside on the other side of the building taking a break from his shift, when a staff member told him about the collapsed man. 

Geoffery Coleman, a witness, said Ege bolted to the parking lot where he found Miller, who had already pulled Sobry out of his car.

“[Sobry’s] eyes were open, but there was no life in them, he wasn’t breathing and had no pulse, so I got him on his back and began CPR,” Ege said. 

“He performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as if it was his own family member,” Coleman said. 

A few ribs were broken in the process, but Sobry began breathing again by the time the ambulance and law enforcement arrived. EMTs took over from there and Sobry was taken to the hospital. He is still recovering in his home in Creston. 

“Nick would never ask for recognition but he’s that kind of guy that deserves recognition,” Coleman said. 

He added that seeing Ege and Miller in action hit home for him, as it made him think if something similar could happen to his father. 

Ege said that his extensive CPR training from being a Boy Scout, lifeguard, service member and firefighter prepared him for the moment. 

“I’m really happy he’s alive. This was the first time using my CPR training in a real life situation, he said. “I’m happy everything worked out okay.” 

Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer presented an award to Ege on Monday, July 1, in front of his family, BCSO officials and Boundary County Commissioner Ben Robertson. Miller did not wish to be recognized at the presentation, but will be receiving a Lifesaver Award as well. 

“It’s a pleasure when we can recognize someone that steps out of their normal role and does what needs to be done for our community,” Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer said. 

He said not everyone ends up in a situation where they can save a life. If they are able to take action, their efforts rarely succeed. 

“I firmly believe that if it were not for the quick actions of Miller and Ege, this would have been a very different outcome,” Kramer said. “Both these men reacted to a very chaotic and unknown situation and responded accordingly which resulted in the saving the life of Irvin Sorby. I am respectfully recommending both these men for the Lifesaver Award due to their actions.” 

Both Miller and Ege have said they desire to meet Sobry when he is well enough to visit Boundary County. 

Boundary County Excellence, is an article series that features community members who inspire others whether through accomplishments, community service or life experiences. If you know someone who is an example of Boundary County Excellence, email us at [email protected].