Vienna Officers Earn Life-Saving Awards After Aiding Driver

VIENNA, VA — Two Vienna Police officers were honored for life-saving officers in response to a vehicle crash.

Vienna Police Chief James Morris and Town Manager Mercury Payton presented Master Police Officer Kenny Smith and Officer Dale "Chip" McElhattan with the life-saving awards on Feb. 17.

The life-saving awards result from their actions during an encounter with a driver who had been in a crash. When officers were talking with the driver, the driver went into cardiac arrest, collapsed on the pavement and was not breathing. Smith and McElhattan provided CPR, bringing back a pulse and breathing.

Shortly afterward, the man stopped breathing again, and officers provided CPR until EMS arrived. Medics took over the life-saving care and took him to a hospital. He was treated and stabilized at the hospital.

The date and location of the incident were not provided by the police department.

Others attending the award presentation were colleagues, family, friends, Vienna Human Resources Director Michelle Crabtree, and human resources assistant Conor Duffy. Smith and McElhattan have also been nominated for the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce Valor award, which recognizes actions beyond the call of duty for public safety employees.