Woodbury Police Officer Honored For Saving A Life

WOODBURY, CT — Woodbury Police Officer Mark Defeo and local residents Lisa Bennett, Molly Baldrige, and Kyle Wright were honored for their actions that helped save a life. The officer earned the Medal for Lifesaving and the civilians earned the Commissioner’s Recognition Award, according to the Connecticut State Police.

According to a news release from State Police:

On Dec. 10, 2017, at 1 p.m., Officer Defeo responded to a local grocery store for a report of an
unresponsive male. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Defeo was advised that the victim did not have a pulse and was not breathing.

Two civilians – Lisa Bennett and Molly Baldrige – had initiated CPR while a third civilian – Kyle Wright – protected the victim’s head from further injury. As the civilians continued CPR and rescue breathing, Officer Defeo prepared his assigned AED which provided a shock to the man.

The officer and the civilians worked as a team, continuing CPR and rescue breathing on the man as the AED continued to cycle, shocking him four times before he regained a pulse.

The man was transported to a local hospital; it was later learned that he had regained consciousness and was communicating with his family. The officer and civilians are applauded for their quick response and collaboration in saving a life.