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Stayton officer honored with Lifesaving Award after Heimlich maneuver
Summary
The Stayton Police Department presented Officer Gamble a Lifesaving Award after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking man, department officials said; recommendation came from Sergeant Meeks and a METCOM dispatcher.
Stayton — The Stayton Police Department presented Officer Gamble with a Lifesaving Award after he administered the Heimlich maneuver to a man who was choking inside a residence, city officials said.
The department’s recommendation, written by Sergeant Meeks and prompted by METCOM dispatcher Sharon Sarah Smith, says Officer Gamble found the victim wheezing and struggling for air, then “without hesitation … stood the man up, administered the Heimlich maneuver” and restored the man’s ability to breathe. Body‑worn camera footage reviewed by the department captured the victim breathing on the ground after the intervention. A female caller told the officer, “you saved his life. You are a hero,” the recommendation says.
The recommendation notes Officer Gamble had recently completed updated first aid and CPR training one week before the incident, and sergeant Meeks and the dispatcher both urged formal recognition. Chief Johns told council members he “100% agree[d] with Sergeant Meeks” and recommended the Lifesaving Award.
The presentation did not include details about the victim’s identity or medical follow‑up, and no formal disciplinary or legal actions were described. The department said the award recognizes the officer’s “exceptional response” and use of recent training in a high‑stress emergency.
The council applauded the recognition. No policy changes or follow‑up tasks were announced at the meeting.
The Stayton Police Department plans to include the presentation in its public communications about officer training and community safety.
