Archbishop John Carroll Assembly No. 2546

Lakeland, FL

1/26/2008

Pictured are award recipient Deputy Sheriff Kenny Knox and SK George McCurdy.

See below for background of his award nomination.

On Wednesday October 24, 2007, the United States Police Canine Association National Field Trials were in progress at Lakeland. The apprehension phase of the competition was being held at Victory Assembly Church in north Lakeland. While open to the public, Deputy Sheriff Kenny Knox was in attendance as an observer, watching the competition.

 

Officer Terry Couch, from the Iowa Department of Corrections, was leaving the apprehension field, when he suddenly collapsed and fell to the ground. Joined by a host of other observers, who had emergency medical training, Deputy Knox rushed to his aide. An assessment of Officer Coach quickly revealed that his airway was blocked and he was suffering a heart attack.

 

As an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) / CPR instructor, Deputy Knox knew that seconds would mean the difference between life and death. Deputy Knox did not hesitate to give emergency first aide. Deputy Knox and Mrs. Leslie Johnson, a trauma nurse from North Carolina, paired up and immediately began CPR. Deputy Knox immediately cleared Officer Couch’s airway and began emergency breathing techniques as Nurse Johnson gave the chest compressions. While CPR was continuing, Deputy Knox quickly prepared, then utilized the AED to restart Officer Couch’s heart. Upon arrival of Lakeland’s Emergency Medical Services, Officer Couch had been revived and stabilized for transport to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he received further treatment.

 

Law Enforcement Officers across the nation learn life saving CPR and AED skills knowing that they may have to save the life of a citizen they are sworn to protect and serve, or as in this case one of their own. Deputy Knox’s commitment to excellence and dedication to emergency medical training has not only saved a life, but a husband, father and brother officer.