By: Shasha Granado

On Wednesday, November 20, the American Red Cross North Texas Region proudly awarded Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Officer Lee Cannon the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders.

Officer Cannon walked to the podium to receive his award and shared a heartfelt message about his fellow officers and the hard work that sometimes goes unnoticed. He grew emotional as he spoke.

“I have watched officers… help a hungry family get a place to stay for the night, provide mental health services for citizens in crisis, and provide a much-needed hug or smile to that one person who may need to realize the kindness still exists,” he said. “I want you to know that I see you, I believe you and you matter.”

Officer Cannon was on patrol at Bachman Station on July 13, 2024, when he observed an individual lying on the train platform. When the individual did not respond to verbal commands and did not register a pulse, Officer Cannon called for medical assistance and began CPR. After getting a heartbeat, Officer Cannon administered NARCAN before transferring the individual’s care to EMS upon their arrival.

Red Cross North Texas CEO Linda Braddy presented him with the award for his heroic actions to help save an individual's life.

“This is one of the highest honors the American Red Cross bestows, recognizing individuals who have saved or sustained a life using the skills and knowledge acquired through our training programs,” Braddy said. “Your actions embody the highest level of care and concern one person can show for another in a moment of crisis.”

Several DART dignitaries spoke at the presentation in the second-floor atrium. Many of Officer Cannon’s peers filled the room to see him receive the Red Cross award.

“Without a doubt, Officer Cannon helped to save a life that day, and the entire team at DART is immensely proud,” DART Assistant Police Chief Jason Hartgraves said. “Officer Cannon, this act exemplifies what it means to work for DART. We thank you… and the entire team at DART is immensely proud.”

The ceremony started with a safety briefing conducted by DART Sr. Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Donna Johnson. Because DART is committed to giving its team members the skills to be safe in the office and the communities it serves, Johnson made sure everyone in the room knew where the nearest exits were, asked who knew CPR and located the closest automated external defibrillator (AED) in case of an emergency. 

“The investment in training our employees about First Aid or how to save a life through CPR is an integral component of the work of our police officers,” Johnson said.