PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. –– Nicholas Guernsey took CPR training for a Boy Scout merit badge about four years ago and it paid off in June when he used his skill to save a man in the throes of a heart attack. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently recognized and commended Guernsey for his “Act of Heroism.”
Guernsey, 17, of Boy Scout Troop 35, was waiting on a morning school bus at Swann’s Creek Elementary School on June 11, 2013, when he noticed a man in a parked car who seemed to be having a heart attack. Guernsey’s first aid training kicked in and he immediately went to the man’s aid. He helped him out of his car, directed someone to monitor his pulse and administered CPR until Emergency Medical Technicians arrived.
“His son was trying to get him out of the car,” said Guernsey, a Forest Park High School student. “That’s how I saw him in danger in the first place. Basically, everybody had cleared out a space and they were trying to find somebody in the crowd who knew what to do. I was surprised that I was the only one there who was capable of doing it.”
After the EMTs left, Guernsey stayed with the man’s son until police arrived. The son contacted Guernsey later that day told him that his father had stabilized, that he had three blocked arteries and would have died before the EMTs arrived if not for Guernsey’s help.
“I just can’t tell you what an inspiration you are to all of us,” said Prince William Chairman Corey A. Stewart during the commendation presentation on Sept. 12. “This is a real special day for all of us to be able to recognize you today.”
Guernsey said he was “proud and exhilarated” to receive the commendation, but mostly he was “thankful” that he was “able to do something to help.”
Guernsey’s mother Lorene Guernsey said she wasn’t surprised when she heard what her son had done. “I was totally flabbergasted, but it doesn’t surprise me in the least. He’s a level-headed kid and he just reacted without even thinking about it.”
After the presentation in the County Board Chambers, Guernsey, along with friends and family and most of Troop 35, out of the Quantico-Buck Keyes American Legion Post 28, were headed out for ice cream. “I go for the chocolate vanilla twist,” Guernsey said.
Recent Stories
During its February 2025 meeting, the Thirty-First Judicial District Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB) re-elected Bradley Marshall as board chairman and elected Yesli Vega as vice chair.
Residents voiced strong opposition during the March 4, 2025, governing body meeting after the city voted 4-3 to disband the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. The decision, made without public comment beforehand, drew sharp criticism from former officials and community members who accused the governing body of a lack of transparency and disregard for volunteer efforts.
Stafford County Public Schools offers high school programs that teach students vocational skills in several fields: the Culinary Arts program, offered at Stafford, Brooke Point, and Mountainview High Schools, provides students the opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, work in a real-world setting, and gain valuable industry certifications.Â
As construction progresses on the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, a debate is unfolding over the future of the existing historic building.
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
