CHICAGO -

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association believes this year’s auto auction of the year honoree summarizes an act of true heroism by its owner and staff.

NIADA chief executive officer Mike Linn handed the 2011 award to Dealer’s Auto Auction of Oklahoma City during the recent National Auto Auction Association conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

Linn presented the award to auction owner Gary Smith and general manager Bruce Beam.

“This year’s recipient excels in the area of customer service — one which has smiling faces and very capable employees,” Linn declared.

“This is evidenced by many auctions, but once in a while, an auction will do something that truly sets it apart, sometimes even heroic,” he continued.

NIADA contends that’s what happened last Dec. 23. The association recapped Odell Morgan, executive director of the Oklahoma Independent Auto Dealers Association, collapsed to the floor as the auction staff was preparing for the day’s sale at about 7 a.m.

Smith rushed to him and checked his pulse — and found none. The auction owner began performing chest compressions and instructed his staff to contact emergency personnel. Auctioneers, ring men and dealers were there to assist while Smith continued CPR until paramedics arrived.

NIADA indicated Morgan had quadruple bypass surgery and continues his recovery.

“Gary had the foresight to ask his physician many times how to best handle this type situation,” Linn insisted.

“Based on his knowledge, he was able to instruct staff on actions to take and they responded without question,” Linn went on to say. “Because of actions taken that day, the auction staff was able to save a life.”

The NIADA began presenting its auction of the year award to an NAAA member auction and its general management team in 2008.

The association highlighted the award is presented to an auction that demonstrates support of the used-vehicle industry and the independent dealers who utilize the auction by providing the highest level of customer service, providing dealers with resources to enhance their business, displaying support to the state association and its dealer members through participation in dealer events and promoting industry community involvement.