Garfield board formally commends staff who saved colleague’s life; family urges CPR training

The Garfield Board of Education on a December evening publicly commended a group of staff members and a parent for administering life‑saving measures during a recent medical emergency at a district school. The board read a formal resolution recognizing their “swift and selfless actions” and entered the resolution into the official record.

The board chair called the staff and the parent to the front of the room before reading the resolution that said the response was “instrumental in preserving the life of our colleague” and praised the team’s “exceptional teamwork, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well‑being of others.” The resolution named staff members invited to the dais and stated the commendation would be a lasting expression of appreciation.

Erin Griffin, who identified herself as the daughter of Christine Griffin (the staff member who experienced the emergency), addressed the board and thanked the individuals by name for their actions. “Michelle performing CPR was the sole factor that allowed my mother to live,” Griffin said. She described the two weeks after the event as “life changing” for her family and urged others in the room to become CPR certified.

Board members reiterated gratitude to the honored staff. The chair listed the staff named in the resolution and thanked them for their “heroic conduct” in front of the audience. Several board members also urged wider community CPR training, with at least one pointing to local efforts such as VFW events where training is available.

The board’s recognition was procedural and ceremonial; no formal policy or budget action was taken during the commendation itself. Members said the district will continue to promote first‑aid and CPR education as part of broader safety and community engagement efforts.

The board later continued with its regular agenda, including other recognitions and the auditor presentation.