Photo By Staff Sgt. Takara Williams | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryan Lawler, of the 167th Airlift Wing, poses for a...... read more read more
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Two Airmen mobilized to the District of Columbia as part of Joint Task Force – District of Columbia (JTF-DC) provided immediate emergency assistance to an injured cyclist during a routine presence patrol in Washington on Oct. 18, 2025.
After witnessing a collision between the cyclist and a vehicle attempting a U-turn, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jessica Heffern and Tech. Sgt. Bryan Lawlor of the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia National Guard, were conducting standard patrol operations as part of their task force duties when they observed the collision. Both Airmen immediately applied their emergency response training to assess the situation and provide initial medical assistance until local emergency services arrived on scene.
“We saw what happened and immediately knew we had to help,” said Heffern. “Our training kicked in, and we focused on making sure the cyclist was stable until the paramedics could take over.”
Both Airmen coordinated their response to ensure the injured cyclist received appropriate care while maintaining scene safety protocols established under task force operations. Lawlor emphasized the importance of readiness during patrol operations.
“Whether we’re on base or in the community, we’re always prepared to respond when someone needs help,” said Lawlor. “That’s what our training is for.”
Both Airmen coordinated effectively with District emergency medical services and local law enforcement agencies. Ambulance personnel transported the injured cyclist to a nearby medical facility approximately 10 minutes after the initial military response.
Members of the 167th Airlift Wing were mobilized to support the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, established March 27, 2025, through Executive Order 14252. The mission combines enhanced law enforcement capabilities and community engagement initiatives. There have been approximately 2,500 National Guard members mobilized to support JTF-DC. These activities include partnering with Metro Transit Police (MPD) to increase visibility, reassure commuters and deter crime; supporting the MPD in areas such as City Center, 14th Street, Yards Park, the Southwest Waterfront and the Library of Congress, and during major events such as the Homeland Defense Conference; assisting the U.S. Park Police with traffic control and operational logistics; and performing beautification operations throughout the District.
National Guard units from several states supporting JTF-DC operate with systematic rotation. Guard members receive extensive emergency response training, including first aid certification and crisis management procedures which enable them to respond effectively to emergencies during their community engagement duties.
The incident demonstrates JTF-DC's operational effectiveness in providing enhanced security and emergency response capabilities throughout the District under the presidential directive to maintain safety and order in the nation’s capital.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2025 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 550453 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, D.C., DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, West Virginia National Guard Airmen Render Aid to Injured Cyclist, by SMSgt Eugene Crist, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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