Bellefonte PD Officer’s quick response saves life
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BELLEFONTE -- Bellefonte Police Officer Shawn Luse was hailed as a hero at this week's borough council meeting for saving a man's life during the Penn State vs. Ohio State game last month.
"We're here to recognize Officer Shawn Luse for his part in saving the life of a local man," said Police Chief Bill Witmer.
According to Witmer, on Nov. 2, during the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State football game at Beaver Stadium in State College, two state police officers witnessed a man collapse at the will-call ticket gate.The officers quickly sprang into action, beginning CPR before calling for additional assistance.
Luse, who was on duty, heard the call and swiftly responded with an AED (automated external defibrillator), a portable device that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped.
As a trained paramedic, Luse serves as the police department's instructor for CPR, First Aid, AED and Cardiac Life Support, with extensive expertise in the use and timing of medical equipment during first-response situations. So, when the call came, he was ready and prepared.
When he arrived at the scene, Luse successfully administered the AED, saving the patient's life. The patient was then taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College for further medical care.
"The patient has since recovered and appeared at the following home football game on Nov. 30 and stood with Officer Luse and all the medical staff that saved his life that day," said Witmer, who recognized the life-saving contributions of the Pa. State Troopers, all the medical personnel at the stadium that day, including hospital staff, EMS personnel, paramedics and ambulance services, alongside Officer Luse.
"This whole incident is a great example of what we do on a daily basis," said Witmer. "We're first responders, often being the first people on the scene. And because of his actions that day, along with the troopers and medical staff, they saved that man's life."
For his heroics, Chief Witmer and Mayor Gene "Buddy" Johnson honored Luse with a certificate and commemorative pen.
"I have dedicated both sides of my life to this, and seeing the outcome is a positive thing," Luse said.
The police department, which has seen extensive changes in staff over the past year, also requested a new officer eligibility list be approved by council. The list Chief Witmer provided the department was approved unanimously on Dec. 16.