It is an honor to recognize our own Ed Gee, a Horace Mann physical education teacher and West Middle girls basketball coach, for his heroic actions in saving a man’s life in January 2020. The remarkable event earned him the 2021 Good Samaritan Adult Award from the American Red Cross Southern Tier Chapter. Gee was celebrated at the organization’s “Real Heroes” virtual event on May 19.
In January 2020, Gee was coaching a team at Johnson City Middle School when he heard screams. He went to the lobby, where some electricians had been working when he arrived for the game. There, he discovered a man on a ladder with half of his body up in the ceiling, calling for help and shaking. Gee ran into the ladder to free the electrician, disengaging him from a live wire. The electrician landed on the floor at the bottom of the ladder in obvious distress, and 911 was called for emergency medical services. The electrician was later identified as Scott Varcadipane, who expressed his appreciation for Gee through social media.
“This man saved my life,” Varcadipane said. “He will forever be in my heart for his quick actions. I hope to one day be able to meet him face to face.”
Gee's quick action prevented what could have been a tragic situation. Despite the traumatic event, Gee still rejoined his team and continued to coach after medical help arrived. We truly could not be prouder!