Jamestown on Jan. 6 swore in a new patrol officer and publicly recognized two officers for lifesaving efforts during a medical assist call in late October 2024.

Town Council President Nancy Bai administered the oath of office to Ryan Sutherland, identified in remarks as a recent graduate of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy and a resident of Pawtucket. Sutherland was introduced as a graduate of Saint Rayfield's Academy and a criminal justice major at the University of Rhode Island.

Police leadership also presented Jamestown Police Department Lifesaving Medal Awards to Lieutenant Karen Catlow and Officer Robert Windsor for their response to a 911 call on Oct. 29, 2024. According to the department account read aloud at the meeting, Windsor arrived first at 150 Bayview Drive and found a 66-year-old man unresponsive and pulseless. Lieutenant Catlow arrived seconds later; the officers applied an automated external defibrillator, delivered a shock and provided CPR. Fire and EMS personnel continued care; after more than 30 minutes of lifesaving measures and while en route to the hospital, the victim regained consciousness and later fully recovered.

In written praise read at the ceremony, Lieutenant Catlow wrote, “Saving a life is the greatest honor we can achieve in our profession.” The police chief and council praised the collaboration among police, fire and EMS that the department said was instrumental in the revival.

The meeting included family members of the honorees and the revived patient, who was reported to be watching the ceremony via livestream from Texas with his wife.