By Christine Welch, American Red Cross

Military Police Officers Ulises Garcia and Connor Schultz, based at Naval Base Coronado, have been recognized with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders for their swift and decisive actions during a medical emergency that helped protect the life of a fellow law enforcement officer.

In February 2025, while on duty, Officers Garcia and Schultz came upon a patrol vehicle that had collided with an object. As they approached, they discovered a civilian police officer behind the wheel experiencing a seizure. Recognizing the severity of the situation, they immediately sprang into action.

When Seconds Count During an Emergency

With calm professionalism and decisive leadership, the officers secured the vehicle, turned off the engine, and began providing care. Drawing upon their training, they placed the officer in the recovery position, protected her from further injury, and remained by her side until emergency medical personnel arrived. Their quick thinking and steady response helped ensure the officer received the care she needed during a medical emergency that could have had far more serious consequences.

Because of their swift actions, compassion, and commitment to protecting others, the civilian officer was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later released.

For their heroic actions, Garcia and Schultz were presented with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders at Naval Base Coronado by Red Cross Southern California Regional CEO Sean Mahoney and Red Cross Southern California Region Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director Dan Beighley. The prestigious award honors healthcare professionals, public safety personnel, and military members who use skills learned through Red Cross training to save or sustain a life while on duty.

"Officer Garcia’s and Officer Schultz’s actions reflect the highest ideals of service and demonstrate the profound impact that training, preparedness and compassion can have in an emergency," said Dan Beighley, Red Cross Southern California Region Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director. "Their willingness to act without hesitation helped protect a fellow officer in her time of need and serves as an inspiration to all of us."

During an emergency, every second counts until medical help arrives. Faced with an unexpected crisis, Garcia and Schultz relied on their training, instincts and dedication to service. In a moment when someone was vulnerable and in distress, they exemplified the very best qualities of first responders: courage, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Saving lives is at the heart of the American Red Cross mission. Through Red Cross Training Services, more than 6.5 million people each year receive instruction in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills. While training prepares individuals for the unexpected, it is the willingness to act when those skills are needed that truly makes a difference.

For 145 years, the American Red Cross has stood beside the men and women of the United States military, supporting service members and their families through deployments, emergencies and times of need. From military installations across the nation to bases around the world, including Naval Base Coronado, the Red Cross remains committed to serving those who serve.

If you know someone who has helped save or sustain a life, nominate them for a Red Cross National Lifesaving Award at redcross.org/LifesavingAwards. For information on Red Cross Training Services classes, visit redcross.org/training.