MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council recognized Randy Hudson for his quick reaction in giving medical aid to an athlete, presenting him with a proclamation “Going beyond the call” at Monday’s council meeting.

Hudson was at a recent high school wrestling match when a wrestler broke his femur. Hudson gave medical aid to the athlete, stabilized him, and waited with him until the emergency squad arrived.

Council approved the purchase of property at 71 Sychar Road from Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland for $65,000. The 2.6 acres will be the future site of an east-end fire station.

“The fire administration has done extensive work on whether it would be a suitable location for an east end station, and determined that it would be,” said Mayor Richard Mavis.

Fire Chief Shawn Christy said the exit from the station onto Sychar Road, then either south to Coshocton Avenue or north to Beech Street was considered in terms of traffic, ability of the equipment to make the turns, and children being in the area. He said he has discussed with City Engineer Cameron Keaton the possibility of placing stop lines farther back from the intersection when Coshocton Avenue is redone, thus allowing more room for turns.

“I had determined before the property became available that Sychar Road would be the best area,” he said. “I think it’s a very good area, has good access. It’s actually better to go onto a quieter road, than onto a larger road.”

Christy said he was in the process of completing a report on staffing, and building and maintenance costs.