Middletown Patrolman Is Thanked For Saving A Man's Life (Video)
Police Officer Charles J. Higgins received warm thanks from elected officials and the police department for a lifesaving achievement on Dec. 20.
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On Dec. 20 around 8:20 p.m., Middletown Police Officer Charles J. Higgins responded to a First Aid call in North Middletown where he found a male in his 20s who had a pulse, but who was not breathing.
Using his experience as a former EMT and as a police officer, Higgins performed rescue breathing for the patient with his bag-valve mask until the First AId took over patient care.
He is credited with saving the young man's life.
On Tuesday night, he was publicly thanked and given the Middletown Township Committee's Lifesaving Award.
"Not many people get second chances in life," said Mayor Gerald Scharfenberger. "But thanks to Patrolman Higgins this young man -- and I hope he takes advantage of it -- got that second chance that a lot of folks didn't."
"The Township Committee and everyone in this room tonight thank you for what you've done, and what you're going to continue to do in the future," said the mayor.
Police Chief Robert Oches awarded Higgins the Middletown Police Departmental Commendation for Lifesaving Achievement.
"One of the things the Township Committee does is support the Police Dept. and allows us to hire officers the caliber of Officer Higgins," said the chief. "And we're going to get many more years out of him before he retires," he said.
Four days after the call, Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue Squad sent a letter to the mayor and police chief bringing attention to Higgins' "exceptional service," said spokesman Bob Pflegler.
"Had another 5 minutes gone by, the outcome of this call would have been far worse, and this particular individual would have been at least brain-dead, if not fully deceased," said Middletown First Aid Captain Fortunato Campesi in the letter. "The fact that he is alive and well today is solely due to Patrolman Higgins’ actions upon his arrival. In no uncertain terms, CJ saved a life that evening."
california
10:21 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Yea sure he can perform cpr, that's great he saved that guys life. What would also be helpful is if he could stop the drug dealers on his street, especially because they live less than 5 houses away from him.
Alll Day!!
11:22 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wait, your a drug dealer??? Or are you talking about your son??? Maybe the fine officers of Middletown Police should start strictly enforcing the traffic laws in that area. You know what they say, a simple traffic violation can lead to a much bigger arrest.
Thenews
10:35 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Why dont you stop the drug dealers? Why dont you tell the police exactly who is selling the drugs? Why don't you help the police? Why don't you form a neighborhood watch? Why don't you stop complaining? He saved someones life. Great job Officer Higgins.
california
3:19 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
All of what you suggested HAS been done! The only neighborhood watch that happens now is the dealers manufacture and sell and the neighborhood watches. Perhaps I'll stop complaining when something actually gets done.
steve santarseri
11:38 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
As the current Captain of Middletown First Aid and Rescue Squad, i would like to commend Officer Higgins as well. I was on an ambulance and could not attend last nights award ceremony. CJ as well as the rest of the police department are extremely helpful in assisting the volunteer first aid squads. They are usually on scene first and are equipped with defibrillators, oxygen and other medical supplies. Many police departments are not so equipped. We are very fortunate to have our officers as well trained as they are. Again CJ, congratulations and thank you for all that you do.
Fkscience
12:52 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
How do you suggest the good ol police stop the drug dealers. Whats the plan middletown girl. You seem to know where they all are.
no
1:47 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Cops do not exist to stop drug traffic. In fact - most of them don't care. They CANT stop drugs.
Naomi Carter
2:10 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
If parents would be a little more observant of their children, then maybe we wouldn't have so many successful dealers in the area. I know of one area where this is a drug dealer and the kids (white) picking up their drugs come in BMWs. wake up, parents or do more to show you care about your kids! Sitting across from your kids at the dinner table allows you to not only speak with them about right and wrong and the day's events but it also allows you to see their eyes and mannerisms, both important when looking for drugs!
Jeff
7:36 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Great job Officer Higgins!!!
california
3:03 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
"All day" if ever citizen hid behind their security system like the rest of mtpd then maybe they wouldn't worry so much about the guy making QUANTITY of crack in their house just steps away from them. Or, maybe its just easier to enforce those traffic laws, much easier to sleep at night... Unless your power goes out too long and that back up battery runs out. Keep the blinders on so you dont poop where you bake.
BOOM!!
5:06 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
OKAY, SUPERTOAD!!! Lets get a few of things straight. First look in your own house before you start throwing stones. ( I MEAN TAKE A GOOD LOOK AROUND, LIKE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR OWN EYES ACROSS FROM YOUR DINNER TABLE!!!) Second what makes you think he has his blinders on?? Officers need evidence to make an arrest and keep the "kid"s in jail right?? I mean thats how the legal system works don't ya know!! Third: I would guess that not a waking moment goes bye that the fine MTPD officer doenst think about the neighborhood that he lives and works in. The scum of the earth are there affecting not only his family but neighnors too. I'm sure in due time the neighborhood will forget you...... I mean forget about the problems they once had!!!
california
5:14 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Boom i would suggest you not "guess" because you're not very good at it. And iit's easy to attack someone who points out facts rather than handle them. You've got plenty of those facts that should be pointed out too i'm sure... Wont it be funny when someone does.
BOOM!!
5:38 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
I was merely pointing out facts that most people would know. Im confident the officers in that area know exactlt whats going on. That would not be a guess!! Im confident that the also need evidence to support all the claims you make. That would not be a guess. Im also confident that people in glass houses........ Well you know the rest. Let us not forget what maybe fact in your world may only be fiction in ours. Evidence supports claims, and all claims do not support evidence.
BOOM!!
9:39 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Officer Higgins you did a wonderful job and as always we are extremely proud of you and all the officers that protect and help us daily.
Karen Smith
5:24 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
Why the debate? this young man is alive and officer Higgins is responsible for that. The mans parents can sleep another night and hopefully he turns his life around.
April Gresham
3:54 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Great job CJ!