FWC officers receive Lifesaving Awards at Commission meeting

For immediate release: September 3, 2015
Media contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585

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FWC officers receive Lifesaving Awards at Commission meeting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized two of its officers with Lifesaving Awards at its Commission meeting in Fort Lauderdale Thursday.

Investigator Rene Taboas and Officer Roberto Rodriguez saved the life of an infant who had stopped breathing while it was on a family boat ride during the summer.

A frantic woman had flagged them down while they were patrolling onboard their boat. As they got closer, they noticed her infant son was not responsive. She immediately handed them her 9-month-old baby, who was pale with blue lips. The officers quickly assessed his status and saw he was not breathing.

They performed a finger sweep in his mouth to check for obstructions, but found nothing. After they administered other emergency aid, the baby began coughing and finally started to breathe again.

They brought the baby’s father onboard and transported them both back to shore to await paramedics. The baby was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment and has since recovered and returned home.

“These officers were in the right place at the right time, but their training was also critical in saving the life of this baby boy,” said Col. Curtis Brown, leader of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “We are overjoyed for this family after what could have been a tragic event. These Lifesaving Awards are a symbol of what they accomplished with their quick thinking and action.”

The officers visited the hospital the following day to check on the baby, who seemed happy, and his family, who were relieved.

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MKP/CRO WBD