Council proclaims "Avery Woolery Day" after 12-year-old rescues man from pool; Fire Department and Knights donate to Safe Haven baby box

Mayor Linda Gorton presented a proclamation honoring Avery Woolery, age 12, who on July 1 jumped into a pool to rescue a man and helped keep him alive until emergency responders arrived. The mayor proclaimed 08/27/2026 as Avery Woolery Day and invited Avery to speak; Avery said, "I just would like to say thank you for everything that has happened for these past few weeks, and I would like to say thank you dad, thank you mom, and thank you everybody who has been there for me."

Fire Chief Jason Wells praised Avery's courage and presented a Lexington Fire Department challenge coin, saying Avery's "actions on the evening of July 1 made a difference when every 2nd mattered." The council also accepted a $21,600 donation from the Knights of Columbus to help purchase and install Lexington's second Safe Haven baby box at Fire Station Number 24; Grand Knight Greg (Council 14130) emphasized the group's long-term commitment to life-saving efforts.

Mayor Gorton and council members paused for a photo and thanked the Woolery family and the Knights of Columbus for their support. The presentation concluded with a ceremonial photo opportunity and brief remarks.