STA Supervisor saves lives in multiple unexpected incidents
Fixed Route Supervisor Justin Marshall doesn’t describe himself as a hero. But he’s found himself thrust into the middle of three separate emergencies over the past year, each unfolding during ordinary workdays, where he’s given critical aid or saved a life. In each situation, Marshall found himself taking quick action when others needed immediate help.
The first incident happened late last winter outside the South Boone Garage, where an unconscious man was found on the ground.
Marshall, a former volunteer firefighter, said the situation immediately triggered his training. He called 911 and performed CPR for about five minutes, continuing until emergency responders arrived. Two other Supervisors, Rob Steen and Mike Jones, also assisted during the incident. The man survived.
“We pretty much saved his life,” Marshall said. “I know CPR from my days as a volunteer firefighter, and I’m always just that kind of guy, just always willing to help.”
The second incident occurred in the summer at the Plaza when a woman missed the bus to a life-saving medical appointment at Sacred Heart Hospital. Marshall overheard her speaking with customer service and realized she had no way to get to her doctor on time. He offered to drive her in his road truck and transported her directly to the hospital.
“I heard it all and just said, ‘Hey, you can hop in, and I can run you up there,’” he said.
The third emergency occurred just a few weeks ago.
During a routine road shift at the Plaza, Marshall heard a loud boom come from under a nearby railroad viaduct. He immediately went to investigate and saw several people running. Marshall continued toward the source of the explosion and found a man whose left hand had been blown off. A passing vehicle had thrown an explosive device at a group of homeless individuals. One of them picked up the makeshift bomb, and it exploded in his hands.
Marshall was first on the scene and said there was surprisingly little bleeding. Because the scene was only three blocks from Deaconess Hospital, he loaded the man into the back seat of his road truck and drove him there. The man was panicked and going into shock, and Marshall sought to calm him as they drove.
“I just said I was getting him to the hospital as fast as I could,” he said.
After dropping the injured man off at the emergency room, Marshall returned to the scene to inform police about what had happened.
Across all three emergencies, Marshall remained calm, something he attributes to both his temperament and his firefighting background. He said he never expected to encounter these types of situations in his current role at STA, but he responded using instincts he developed long before this year.
“You know, it’s just my mentality,” he said. “I stay cool and calm and get people the help they need.”
When describing the events, Marshall downplays his role. Nevertheless, when someone nearby needs immediate assistance, Marshall steps forward. In a year marked by unpredictable moments, his steady response has been constant: quiet, quick, and in three cases, potentially life-saving.
