Knowing how to respond in an emergency is important, and police officer Terrence Benn is a shining example of what that looks like.
The Howard County corporal was at a traffic stop in the vicinity of Reservoir when law enforcement officials got an emergency call about a collapsed man in a classroom, and he was the first police officer to arrive there. He responded quickly and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that was on site to resuscitate the individual, who turned out to be a substitute teacher. He had to resuscitate the teacher multiple times while waiting for the paramedics.
Paramedics transported the substitute to Howard County General Hospital. School principal Pat Saunderson stated in a letter to parents that the substitute’s outlook was good.
He also had words of praise for the school’s staff for how they responded, complimenting health assistant Michele Wilder and special ed. teacher Josh Sullivan. He also recognized all who helped during the incident and those who kept the day in motion, including students who stayed calm.
Chief of Police Gary Gardener spoke proudly of Corporal Benn, saying that his speedy actions were an example of his fellow officers who are trained to respond. The Chief wasn’t shocked by Benn’s appropriate reaction.
Corporal Benn received the 2014 Outstanding Community Service Award earlier in the year.
