On February 12, 2019, Village of Boys Town Police Chief William Clark called on his training to save a life by using an AED and performing chest compressions on a fellow officer who has lost consciousness. For this heroic and lifesaving action, Chief Clark received the Red Cross Certificate of Merit in a ceremony at the Village of Boys Town Police Station.

The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

“We’re extremely proud to present a Certificate of Merit to Chief Clark,” said Jill Orton, Region Executive of the American Red Cross of Kansas/Nebraska/SW Iowa. “His actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

Chief Clark is trained in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and put that training to use when a fellow officer lost consciousness at the Village of Boys Town Police Station/Town Hall. After the officer did not respond to verbal commands, Chief Clark checked his vitals and told another officer to get the AED. Chief Clark placed the AED on the officer and administered a shock, then started chest compressions. EMS arrived to provide care and transport the gentleman to a local hospital where he was treated and later released.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.