Former EMC employee cited for saving 18-month-old

SUWANEE - What started out as a fun Fourth of July camping trip with his family almost ended in disaster, except for the life-saving procedures Cory Billings performed on an 18-month-old girl that nearly drowned.

Because of his heroic deed, Billings recently received the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation Life Saving Award.

"We've been going to the same Hall County campsite on Lake Lanier for the Fourth of July for the last few years," said Billings. "The day the incident happened, I was out in a boat with some family members about 75 yards offshore. I heard yelling and screaming, and when. I looked toward shore, I saw the mother coming out of the water with her little girl."

Billings jumped in the water and quickly swam ashore to find that the 18-month-old was not breathing and had no pulse.

Along with his sister, who was also camping, Billings performed several cycles of CPR. In the meantime, others called 911.

"I was not sure she was going to make it," Billings said. "But when she started breathing on her own and her color came back, it was like she had been touched by an angel."

A residential sales and system design specialist for EMC Security at the time, Billings had been certified as a first responder at a previous employer, and had taken other first aid and safety courses throughout his life.

Billings has since moved on to another employer.

"I didn't really think about what I was doing," he said. "If I stopped to think about it, I probably would have fallen apart."

The victim's family also was camping that weekend. Billings recalls that they did not speak much English, but when it was apparent that the little girl was safe, her father came up and gave Billings a great big hug.

"That said it all for me. I have two children, and I know what he was going through," Billings said.

EMC Security management commends Billings for his actions. "His bravery and quick response are responsible for saving a girl's life. It makes us proud to have him as part of the EMC Security team," said Vince Raia President of EMC Security.

Georgia EMC bestowed the Life Saving Awards at its annual meeting on Nov. 9 in Augusta, Ga.

In addition to Cory Billings, the state association recognized the life-saving accomplishments of nine employees from seven other electric cooperatives.

The Life Saving Award was established to recognize electric cooperative employees whose courage and skillful actions are instrumental in rescuing someone from grave and immediate danger, according to Jim Wright, Georgia EMC's vice president of Training, Education & Safety.

"We are proud to recognize the many acts of heroism from our members' employees this year," said Wright.