Richfield Police Officer Named 'Red Cross Hero' for Efforts to Save Drowning Children

A Richfield police officer was recently named as recipient of one of the 2013 American Red Cross Heroes Awards.

Sgt. David Kromshroeder was the first to arrive at a home on 7300 block of Garfield on Dec. 9, 2012 where two children were in a partially full, in-ground pool. The 6-year-old girl was unconscious in the deep end of the pool and an 8-year-old boy was struggling to stay above water.

Here's how the Red Cross tells the story of Kromshroeder's actions:

After breaking through the 6-foot privacy fence surrounding the property, Kromshroeder leapt into the 32-degree water and, with the help of neighbors, got the boy out of the water. While attempting to rescue the girl, he lost his footing, but with the help of the neighbors, he and the girl were pulled from the water.

In blizzard conditions, Kromshroeder administered CPR to the unconscious child until the paramedics arrived. The children were transported to the hospital for and treated for hypothermia.

As previously reported by Patch, both children made full recoveries. Kromshroeder was recognized with other police and fire personnel, and two citizens by the Richfield City Council in February.

Kromshroeder was one of 10 honored with the Red Cross awared in the Northern Minnesota Red Cross Region. All honorees will be recognized at the fifth annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, June 6, at the Legends Club at Target Field in Minneapolis.

The public is invited to attend, help recognize local heroes, and support local Red Cross programs and services.

The American Red Cross Heroes Awards raise awareness about ordinary people whose extraordinary actions exemplify the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Each hero was nominated by a member of the community and selected by the 2013 Heroes Breakfast Nomination Committee.

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Related articles:

• First Responders to be Recognized After Saving Drowning Children
• Near Drowning Victim Makes Full Recovery
• Near Drowning in Richfield; 6-Year-Old in Critical Condition

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