Bettendorf presents lifesaving awards to three officers for June rescue

Bettendorf Police Chief Keith Kimball on Dec. 17, 2024 presented life‑saving awards to Officers Sean Clawson, Brian Morrissey and Ashley Guffey for actions that saved a man who had been found suspended by his neck on June 17, 2024.

Chief Kimball read the department citation describing the June 17 incident: officers responded to a residence for a suicidal male, located the man hanging in an unattached garage, kicked in a side door, removed the ligature and performed CPR. The citation says Officer Clawson recovered an automated external defibrillator (AED) and Officer Guffey applied pads; the AED advised no shock and compressions continued until medical personnel arrived. The citation states the man was breathing and talking four days later at the hospital and was expected to make a full recovery with no lasting complications.

An officer who addressed the council described the event as a rare outcome and praised teamwork and training, specifically noting the contribution of the fire department’s paramedic training. The officer said the three recipients ‘‘made a difference that day by saving a life’’ and described ongoing contact with the survivor, identified in remarks as Taylor, who later thanked the officers in person.

During the presentation Chief Kimball said each officer would receive a plaque, a medal and a citation bar for their uniform. Chief Kimball signed the citation presented Dec. 17, 2024, together with Mayor Gallagher; no formal council motion was required for the awards.

The chief and the speaking officer urged anyone in crisis to call 988 for the suicide prevention hotline and referenced the incident when making that public‑service reminder.