CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Crestview crossing guard Mackenzie Holliday, whose quick action is credited with saving the life of a child earlier this month, has been presented with a Life-Saving Award by Crestview’s Chief of Police and the city’s mayor.
Stephen McCosker, Crestview Chief of Police, and JB Whitten, mayor, presented the award at Monday night’s city council meeting, according to an announcement by the city.
On the morning of March 2, Holliday snatched a student out of harm’s way when a motorist sped through a crosswalk on State Road 85 in the city.
The Crestview Police Department (CPD) reported that Holliday quickly reacted to the situation, preventing the child from being struck by a vehicle.
Holliday was in the crosswalk stopping traffic as a girl on a bicycle entered the crosswalk. As the child started crossing the road, a black pickup truck sped toward the crosswalk. Holliday reacted by blocking the student from crossing in front of the truck.
The truck continued traveling through the crosswalk and away from the scene, according to police.
“Everything happened so fast, but I can honestly say that in that split second my mind was focused on her without even realizing. I have a daughter her age and all I could think about was what would I want someone to do to protect my child,” Holliday said.
