Woman Thanks Man For Keeping Her Cool

A tow truck driver who helped save an elderly woman's life was thanked in person on Friday night.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports when the woman nearly lost her life because of overheating, the driver's quick-thinking helped cool her down.

The two were complete strangers.  But, last week, the truck driver in Inola heard an emergency dispatch that the heat was distressing an elderly woman nearby.  So, he put down the wrench and picked up an air-conditioner.

Donnie Chasteen is part mechanic and part tow truck driver.  One week ago, he became a full hero.

 "He saved my life is what he did. He actually saved my life," said 63-year-old Jeanie Nees.

The woman, 63-year-old Jeanie Nees, suffers from a degenerative lung disease.  Her air-conditioner broke down months ago and she couldn't afford a new one.  When the temperatures began soaring, she thought she was done for.

"It was really making me sick.  I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to eat," said Jeanie Nees.

That's when a neighbor called 911.

Chasteen was working in his shop when he heard the call go out on his scanner.

"That inner voice we have, it seems like the older I get, the louder it gets. And, it was my time and it was my turn, to help someone," said Donnie Chasteen of Inola Wrecker.

So, Chasteen went home, plucked out his own A/C and headed over to install it at Miss Nees' house.

"It was amazing.   Because people don't do that anymore because people don't care," said Jeanie Nees.

One week later, Chasteen is going back to see how Nees is holding up.

"It was one of the most rewarding things I've been put in the position to do," said Donnie Chasteen.

"It's keeping me alive.  That's what it's doing.  It's keeping me.  If I didn't have it, I wouldn't survive," said Jeanie Nees.

Chasteen, though, says he's no hero.

"The giver gets the biggest reward out if it instantly, like when Miss Nees patted me on the back," said Donnie Chasteen.

But, for one woman, he's a Godsend and a friend.

"A lifesaver.  Definitely, he is a lifesaver," said Jeanie Nees.

Nees did ask Chasteen if he wanted his air-conditioner back at the end of the season.  He told her no way, it is hers for good.  That way she doesn't have to worry about staying cool next summer.