When he stopped to help clear broken glass after a storm, Dr. Michael Prewitt, dean of the Marshall University College of Health Professions, had no idea he would be named WSAZ’s most recent Hometown Hero.

“I didn’t stop to help thinking it would be recognized by WSAZ,” Prewitt said. “I’m a big collector of antiques and when I saw the broken glass covering these pieces of beautiful furniture, it was instinct to stop and offer any help I could. I would hope someone would do the same for me if I were in that situation.”

Prewitt said when he saw the broken window he wanted to help the owners of a local business after the storm blew out their storefront windows in late June.

“I was driving by Avant-Garde on 4th Avenue after going grocery shopping and noticed they had no windows,” Prewitt said. “The owners seemed in shock because the damage was significant, but I offered to go home and get some things to start helping them clean up. I came back with gloves, trash bags and a few brooms and we got to work.”

Avant-Garde, a furniture and home décor consignment store, is located in the former location of Magic Makers and was scheduled to open the following Monday.

For many days after the incident, the owners of Avant-Garde didn’t know who the kind stranger was who stopped to help out, according to WSAZ’s article. WSAZ’s Brittany Hoke tracked down Prewitt.

Every week, WSAZ recognizes people who have made a significant difference in other people’s lives and their communities. Winners are chosen based on their voluntary positive impact on a person or community, according to WSAZ.

Britanie Morgan can be contacted at [email protected]