Three Great Falls Council Scouts were recognized for their lifesaving actions on May 3 at the 2025 Volunteer Recognition Banquet.
Emmilyn Pygon of Troop 229G (Kenmore, NY) received the Certificate of Merit. This award is given to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service deserving of special national recognition. Brooks Emo of Troop 4077B (Nunda, NY) and Carter Ziolkowski of Troop 554B (Cheektowaga, NY) received Medals of Merit for performing outstanding acts of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflect an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.
“We are honored to recognize these Scouts for their outstanding service,” said Gary A. Decker, CEO and Scout Executive of Great Falls Council, Scouting America. “Their quick thinking, knowledge of emergency procedures, and caring attitude exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law.”
The following are descriptions of the Scouts’ actions from the awards presentation, which were read at the event by Mark Oetinger, Advancement Committee Chair.
Emmilyn Pygon
Emmilyn Pygon is 15 years old and a member of Troop 229G which meets at Kenmore Baptist Church. On September 13th, 2024, Emmilynn was playing cards with her grandparents and her mom. Her grandfather, Howard Litz, seized up, could not communicate and slid out of his chair to the floor. Emmilynn’s mom and grandmother panicked, screamed and started crying. Emmilyn stayed calm and took immediate action. Emmilynn called 911 and gave all the information requested including her grandfather’s history of heart conditions including his 2 strokes he had in recent months. She cleared the scene so that medical personnel had access to her grandfather and went to the door to flag down medical personnel. Fortunately, at the hospital, it was confirmed that Emmilynn’s grandfather had a seizure and not a stroke. Emmilyn did all the right things. For this the Great Falls Council would like to present Emmilyn Prygon with the Council Certificate of Merit.
Photo (from left): Emmalyn Prygon, her grandfather Howard Litz, Council Board President Kevin Cross, Council CEO Gary Decker, and Council Commissioner John Moscati.
Brooks Emo
Brooks Emo is 14 years old and a member of Troop 4077B which meets at the Nunda Rotary Club. On December 12th, 2024, Brooks was going hunting with his stepfather. It was a cold morning and the temperature was in the teens. As they drove by their neighbor’s house, they saw someone laying on the ground in her pajamas next to her car. It was Melissa Anderson. Brooks assessed the situation. Melissa appeared to have a broken ankle. She was conscious but was disoriented, could not speak and was hypothermic. Brooks took the mail in her hand, called 911 for help and gave them all the info they needed including her address from her mail. Brooks then called his sister to bring blankets to keep her warm. He proceeded to the main road to flag down the first responders. Brooks did all the right things. For this the Great Falls Council would like to present Brooks Emo the Medal of Merit.
Photo (from left): Council Board President Kevin Cross, Brooks Emo, Council CEO Gary Decker, and Council Commissioner John Moscati.
Carter Ziolkowski
Carter Ziolkowski is 15 years old and a member of Troop 554B which meets at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. On June 2nd, 2024, Carter was home and doing homework when his mom Kelly called him into the kitchen. Kelly said she was dizzy and needed a chair. Carter got the chair and then noticed Kelly had slurred speech. He recognized this as a sign of stroke and called 911. He gave the dispatcher all the information required and the symptoms. He then secured the area by putting their dogs in a secure area so that first responders could do their work. Fortunately, Kelly has recovered and is here with us today. Carter did all the right things. For this the Great Falls Council would like to present Carter Ziolkowski the Medal of Merit.
Photo: (from left): Council Board President Kevin Cross, Carter Ziolkowski, Council CEO Gary Decker, and Carter’s mother Kelly Ziolkowski.
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