Lynn Semler and Megan Chelminiak were honored by the American Red Cross for their life-saving rescue of City Council Member John Cheliminiak after he was attacked by a bear last year.

Last September, Chelminiak and Semler celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary with a family getaway at their vacation home near Lake Wenatchee. Their 10-year-old daughter, Megan, joined them.

Before going to bed that first night, Chelminiak walked the family’s two dogs. He was steps from the driveway when he heard rustling sounds close by. Before he could react, he was attacked by a 150-pound bear. He fought hard to fend it off, but the bear repeatedly knocked him down and clawed and bit him. During the struggle, the dogs escaped and ran back to the house.

Megan dialed 911 and handed the phone to her mom.

As soon as Semler got to her husband’s side and saw the bear, she ordered Megan to stay indoors. As Semler talked to the 911 operator, she tended to Chelminiak’s wounds and kept the bear at bay.

Soon the paramedics came and took him to the local hospital. Eventually he was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. After several arduous months of surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing care from his family, Chelminiak is back at work and doing fine.