Officer Awarded Life Saving Award for Efforts in Saving Infant

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Officer Awarded Life Saving Award for Efforts in Saving Infant

Posted: 04/24/2012
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today awarded the Life Saving Award to Knoxville Police Department Officer Roger Simmons. Officer Simmons has been with KPD since September 2009.

Chief Rausch said that on February 18, 2012, at approximately 5:23 p.m., Officer Simmons was patrolling in the Lonsdale area when a small bus pulled across Texas Avenue in front of his cruiser. The driver of the bus was making a desperate attempt to summon the officer for assistance. When Officer Simmons approached to investigate, the driver exited the bus with a lifeless infant in her arms. The mother frantically told Officer Simmons that her baby was not breathing as she shook the baby in an attempt to get him to cry or respond.

Chief Rausch said, "Officer Simmons immediately called for an ambulance and first responder. He then took the child from the mother and began infant CPR. The child responded and began breathing on his own. While waiting for the ambulance, Officer Simmons continued to work with the child while calming the mother."

According to Children's Hospital staff, the seven-week old infant had stopped breathing due to apnea or he had aspirated and choked. The staff also stated the immediate and decisive actions of Officer Simmons had saved the life of the child.

The infant's mother had indicated the child stopped breathing while they were in church. She said she was hysterical and did not know what to do. She jumped into the bus and was attempting to drive the baby to the KFD station on New York Avenue when she saw the police cruiser.

Chief Rausch said, "Officer Simmons not only possessed knowledge of infant CPR, he was able to effectively assess the infant's condition in an extremely stressful situation and then take appropriate action."

Mayor Rogero said, "We applaud Officer Simmons for his quick action that resulted in saving a precious life. Thank you for a job well done."


Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.