Zebulon — Shannon Baxter was at the right place at the right time one day last fall. Zebulon—The former resident of New Jersey was looking for a house in the area and witnessed a motorcycle accident in Willow Spring.

Baxter, who was taking an emergency response course, saved the life of the driver of the motorcycle, Rich Little, a retired police officer.

Little was thrown from his motorcycle and landed in a ditch.

Baxter stopped the bleeding of his femoral artery by applying pressure to the wound.

She was recognized for her heroism June 1 at a charity bike run in Raleigh.

The charity event was held at Ray Price Harley Davidson to raise money for the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Little is vice president of a police officers' motorcycle club the Blue Knights, which participated in the charity run.

Baxter was presented a plaque.

“It was very nice,” she said.”It was just a good positive way to start the events.”

Baxter said since the accident, she and her husband, Steve, have become friends with Little.

“His family is a wonderful family and we’re very close,” she said. ...“Certainly the event had an impact on our lives.”

She said Steve had completed his training as an emergency first response instructor because of the accident.

“Through a lot of prayer, I realized the reason I was there wasn’t to get a house,” she said.

Baxter said she believes God brought her that day to help Little.

She returned to New Jersey after the accident without finding a new home.

But on November 28, she came again to North Carolina, and discovered Zebulon.

Five days later, the couple closed on their house on Arendell Avenue. They moved quickly, and celebrated Christmas with Steve’s parents in their new home.

“We absolutely love Zebulon,” she said. “We feel like it’s the right choice for us. ... People are friendly. It still has a small town atmosphere...We love the people. We love our neighbors.”