Crime & Safety

Canton Police Officer Recognized For Saving Resident's Life

Matthew Godfrey was recently awarded the Canton Police Department's Life Saving Award.

Canton police officer Matthew Godfrey was presented the agency’s Life Saving Award at the April 2 Canton City Council meeting.

The honor was presented by Police Chief Mark J. Mitchell.

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The award was given due to Godfrey’s timely response to an emergency taking place near his residence while he was off duty in late February.

He was alerted that a neighbor, Billy Claussen, had stopped breathing and took immediate action by initiating CPR after a call to 911.

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In a commendation letter by a Northside Hospital-Cherokee cardiologist, Godfrey was praised for his “critical role… in resuscitating” the patient who had suffered a heart attack and 100 percent blocked artery.

The letter goes on to state that as a result, the patient survived the heart attack ”with neurological function intact.”

What Should You Read Next?

Photo: from left to right are, Chief Mark Mitchell, Officer Matthew Godfrey, Billy Claussen and his wife Camille along with Assistant Chief Stephen Merrifield and Lieutenant German Rivas. Credit: Canton Police Department’s Facebook page.


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