2 RI Environmental Police Officers Get National Lifesaving Award

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Two Rhode Island Environmental police officers received lifesaving awards at the North American Wildlife Enforcement's 2022 National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, officials with the Department of Environmental Management said Friday.

Officer Joshua Beuth got the award for saving a life in 2021, while Officer Anthony Esposito received the honor for his actions in 2020.

On Aug. 10, 2020, Esposito was called to Les Pawson Loop in Lincoln Woods State Park after a man fell off his bicycle and cut his leg. Esposito immediately called for help and administered first aid.

It became apparent the laceration to the right calf caused severe bleeding. Esposito applied a tourniquet and direct pressure to the wound, staying with the victim until emergency officials arrived, state officials said. The man survived with full use of his leg.

"Officer Esposito's quick response and training in first aid and Stop the Bleed techniques prevented loss of life to the male subject and helped save the person from further injury," a DEM spokesperson said in a statement.

Then on Oct. 3, 2021, Beuth responded to a call for a person having a medical emergency on a fishing boat near the Jamestown Bridge.

Officials said Beuth determined the boat was likely to come ashore near the Plum Point area and was the first responder to arrive. Beuth then entered the water along the shore to board the fishing boat, where the unresponsive man was accompanied by his fishing partner.

Beuth performed CPR and was able to bring back a faint pulse until Rhode Island State Police and North Kingstown fire officials arrived.

"DEM salutes Officers Esposito and Beuth for their decisive, life-saving actions," a DEM spokesperson said. "Their conduct reflects DLE’s mission to protect public safety, public health, and natural resources."