MANTORVILLE, Minn. (KTTC) – While it’s the job of first responders to rush to an emergency situation, anybody can be in the right place at the right time to save a life.

Dodge County hosted its annual “Life Saving Awards” Tuesday night, recognizing first responders and civilians alike. One of the civilians honored is part of a story that touched so many – the Highway 14 crash that left one survivor – 12-year-old Jaxon Harberts.

It was nearly one year ago, tragedy came to a Blooming Prairie family.

“Obviously most of us are familiar with this crash,” Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose said. “On September 7th, 2018, Dodge County dispatch received multiple 911 calls regarding a crash at the intersection of Highway 14 and County Road 3.”

“It was actually late for work that morning. I had a long route, I deliver steel…and I don’t know, I should have been at work an hour earlier,” Jim Royer said recalling the day. Royer was one of the first people on the scene.

As it happened, Royer was in the right place, at the right time.

“The passenger later identified as Jaxon Harberts was unconscious, but did have a pulse,” Sheriff Rose said.

“I seen a car up on top of another one,” Royer continued. “There was a trooper leaning in, rendering aid. He was alone at that point. I stopped, saw that Jaxon had a compromised airway and with my prior profession, I stopped and helped pull him out.”

It was Royer’s morning tardiness and his 15 years of experience as an EMT, that saved Jaxon’s life.

“God has a reason for everything,” Royer said.

“Without this guy, Jaxon wouldn’t be here. There’s no doubt in our mind,” Sheriff Rose said. “On behalf of the Dodge County Sheriff Department, we express our deepest gratitude.”

Royer received a letter of recognition in honor of his heroic act.

“For him to jump out and stop and do what he did to help was incredible, it was great to recognize him tonight,” Sheriff Rose said.

“I’m just glad I was there in the moment of need,” Royer said. “I used my training and the skills that I have. Just because I’m not licensed, doesn’t mean I can’t use it.”

A humble hero.

“They awarded me this award, but it goes to all the first responders, the helicopter pilot, the flight nurse, its their award too, because there’s no “I” in team,” Royer said.

Jaxon and his father were in attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony. In addition to Royer’s letter of recognition, 6 agencies and 2 other civilians throughout Dodge County were honored. Together, they saved a total of 5 lives.