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Quick-Thinking Security Officer Saves Student At Spotsylvania County Middle School

Kennedy Lawson received the Sheriff's Achievement Award after performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student at Ni River Middle School.

Kennedy Lawson received the Sheriff's Achievement Award after performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student at Ni River Middle School. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Spotsylvania County school security officer was honored after authorities said his quick response helped save a choking student's life.

Kennedy Lawson, a security officer at Ni River Middle School, received the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Achievement Award for his actions during lunch, the sheriff's office said Wednesday.

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A child began choking, and Lawson recognized the emergency and performed the Heimlich maneuver, helping clear the student's airway.

The sheriff's office praised Lawson for remaining calm and responding quickly when the student needed help.

"His ability to remain calm, recognize the emergency, and take action when it mattered most made all the difference," the sheriff's office said.

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