When Ronald Ivener reached the scene, the victim’s status was critical. It was up to him to administer CPR in order to save a life.
When Myrone Grady saw a little girl choking on a bite of lunch, he moved swiftly, performing the Heimlich maneuver and saving her from harm.
Officers Ivener and Grady, along with three distinguished citizens and 10 new officers, were honored Friday during a ceremony at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. Mayor Aron Cromwell and Police Chief Tarik Khatib thanked them for their service to public safety.
“We value all the work of our police department,” Cromwell said.
Austin Rogers
Myrone Grady
Ronald Iverner
Sam Weese
Ivener was called out to a medical emergency in May. A 68-year-old man wasn’t breathing, and Iverner’s intervention prevented him from dying, Khatib said. Grady, a school resource officer at South Middle School, helped a student in January 2011 quickly but with little fanfare, possibly also saving her life.
The citizen awards went to Samuel Weese, Austin Rogers and Matthew Tuckel.
Weese used his car to block a drunken driver who had an officer in his car from fleeing a parking lot in August of 2010. Khatib said he “went above and beyond that which is normally expected of a citizen” to assist the police and was crucial in helping police apprehend the suspect driver.
Rogers and Tuckel also helped contain a “combative” suspect after witnessing a burglary in March 2011.
The ceremony was also a graduation for 10 cadets: Jake Burke, Ashley Durazo, Nate Haig, Meagan Horvath, Dean Kemppainen, Will Machado, Stepehen Osborne, Ryan Robinson, Chris Schweer and Sheri Stites.
City Manager David Corliss talked about the “investment” made in the cadets by the department and the “expectation of return” in service to the community. Khatib said he looked forward to seeing their contributions. Every speaker praised the work of the officers.
“In a recent survey, 90 percent of respondents said they felt safe in Lawrence,” Cromwell said. “That’s a testament to our police department’s work.”
Comments
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goodcountrypeople (anonymous) says…
That must have been a biased survey that said ninety percent of respondents felt safe. Lawrence is full of intellectually-challenged street harassers. It should be possible to use public space without being terrorized or even having one's day ruined. Ignorance can be frightening, and it's a virus in Lawrence.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) replies…
Somebody is all cranky and needs a hug.
rockchalker52 (anonymous) replies…
Aw, now who loves ya, gcp? we do! C'mon & giggle for me just one time.
youngjayhawk (anonymous) says…
Congrats to these fine individuals; because of them and many others, Lawrence is a safe and wonderful community in which to live!
Bladerunner (anonymous) says…
If you have to name yourself "goodcountrypeople", Most likely you are not one......
LadyJ (anonymous) replies…
I like the way he has decided to speak for all the people that actually do appreciate it when someone offers to help. Maybe he should just wear an arm band or jacket the says "I don't need your help so don't offer". That way the all the other people won't be affected.
DillonBarnes (anonymous) says…
Who took these pictures!? Was the guy who does the mugshots down at the jail the only one available?
Either way, good job guys.
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