FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2016
Contact: Sandi Poreda, APR
sandi@bulldogstrategygroup.com / 850.766.1906
FLORIDA POLICE CHIEFS RECOGNIZE FORT MYERS OFFICER FOR LIFESAVING EVENT
FORT MYERS, FL – The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) today recognized a Fort Myers police officer as a recipient of the FPCA Lifesaving Award. Officer Cassie McHale with the Fort Myers Police Department was honored yesterday for an exceptional lifesaving act she performed earlier this year.
“Every day, our officers protect their community – often at great personal risk,” said Coconut Creek Police Chief Butch Arenal, President of the FPCA. “To be a law enforcement officer is to put others first, and this award recipient is the epitome of selfless protection and service.”
In February, the Bayshore Fire & Rescue and Lee County first responders were dispatched to rescue a driver who was trapped in a submerged vehicle off the highway. Officer McHale was traveling in her personal vehicle and saw the first responders trying to reach the driver. Despite being eight months pregnant, Officer McHale stopped, entered the water, helped remove the driver and began providing CPR and advanced life support care.
“Officer McHale embraces the philosophy service before self with concern, compassion and care,” said Fort Myers Police Department Chief Derrick Diggs. “I am proud of how Officer McHale represents the Fort Myers Police Department and the entire law enforcement community.”
The Lifesaving Award, sponsored by the Harris Foundation, recognizes law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect their communities. The FPCA accepts nominations from member agencies online at: https://fpca.com/lifesaving-award/. The award nomination and selection process occurs twice annually.
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