HIGH POINT, N.C. – At a recent ceremony in High Point, Guilford County paramedic Anthony “A.J.” Haymore was recognized as the 2024 Emergency Medical Services Hero. The accolade was an integral part of the Piedmont Triad Area Red Cross’s Salute to Heroes event, which honors local personnel for extraordinary acts of bravery and service.
During the same event, the 2024 Law Enforcement Hero award was posthumously given to Sgt. Dale Nix of the Greensboro Police Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The dual recognition highlighted a poignant incident from December last year which linked the two heroes.
On December 20, Haymore, driving a quick-response ambulance, found himself at a pivotal moment when violence erupted at a local gas station. While refueling his vehicle at the Sheetz Gas Station on Sandy Ridge Road, he heard the sound of gunfire. With no hesitation, Haymore rushed towards the chaos, where he discovered Sgt. Nix gravely wounded.
With the assistance of off-duty Greensboro Police Officer Cameron Peach, who also found himself coincidentally at the scene, Haymore worked fervently to provide critical care to Nix. Despite their immediate efforts, Sgt. Nix succumbed to his injuries later that day. The intervention highlighted the unpredictable and often perilous situations emergency responders face daily.
Reflecting on the incident, Haymore mentioned he didn’t initially realize the victim was Sgt. Nix, but his training instinctively directed him to help. He credited Officer Peach’s rapid response and aid as crucial in the attempt to stabilize Nix.
Haymore’s journey as a paramedic started in September 2018 when he joined the Guilford County EMS as an EMT. He advanced his qualifications by attending the Guilford EMS Paramedic Academy in 2020, achieving the rank of senior paramedic by 2021. His commitment to the community and his profession has been consistently recognized by his colleagues and the community alike.
The Salute to Heroes event serves not only to recognize the bravery and dedication of individuals like Haymore and Nix but also to remind the community of the critical roles that emergency responders play. These individuals often encounter life-or-death situations under extreme pressure, demonstrating profound courage and a commitment to service.
The ceremony, attended by local dignitaries, family members, and colleagues of the honorees, provided a solemn reminder of the risks taken by law enforcement and emergency medical professionals daily.
This recognition by the Piedmont Triad Area Red Cross underscores the essential support and appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way to save others, reinforcing the community’s reliance on such courageous acts.
As the community continues to heal from the loss of Sgt. Dale Nix and celebrate the heroism of individuals like A.J. Haymore, the stories of these local heroes resonate deeply, reminding us of the human capacity for bravery in the face of dire circumstances.