By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
A current police sergeant and a former officer were recognized at the Piedmont City Council meeting Monday, Oct. 25 for their lifesaving efforts.
Police Sgt. J. Neumann and former officer J. Rafferty risked their own lives when they went into a home to rescue a female, Police Chief Scott Singer said.
“The person was rescued from an environment with a high concentration of CO, carbon monoxide,” Singer said. “The officers acted without self-contained air units.”
Singer presented a letter of commendation and a lifesaving award to Neumann and Rafferty. Rafferty has since left the police department to work in the private sector, Singer said. Rafferty attended the Monday night meeting for the presentation.
“Before he left, he was involved in an incident which I thought reflected greatly on the police department and on his character,” Singer said.
On Oct. 3, the officers responded to a home on Auburn Lane N.W in Piedmont for a welfare check. A vehicle could be heard that was running inside the garage, but no one came to the door. The garage door was down and a door was locked.
But the officers forced their way inside and found the resident unconscious, Singer said.
Neumann and Rafferty were able to get her out of the house for fresh air.
“Acting quickly to render aid, and in danger to yourself and Neumann, you removed the resident to fresh air, aiding and reviving the resident and saving her life,” Singer said. “And due to their quick-thinking and action a human life was rescued from certain death.”
Council members and those in the audience applauded the commendations at the Oct. 25 meeting Rafferty was able to attend.
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