PHOTO PROVIDED BY CU-LOCK HAVEN Commonwealth University-Lock Haven student, McKenzi Brooks, center, was recently awarded the Life Saving Award by the American Red Cross. She was nominated for the award by LHPD Officer Andrew Fisher, left, after she saved a one-year-old’s life in October. Pictured with them is Gary Langsdale, a volunteer and board member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CU-LOCK HAVEN
Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Student Mckenzi Brooks was honored at council’s meeting by the American Red Cross with the Life Saving Award.

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven City Council’s meeting this week started with a special presentation, honoring a local college student whose quick actions saved a child’s life.

Gary Langsdale, a volunteer and board member for the Central Pa. Chapter of the American Red Cross presented the Life Saving Award on Monday night.

“We’re here today because emergencies can happen at any time. But regardless of where they occur or when they occur, emergency situations have one thing in common: a crowd of people standing around wondering who should do what and looking for someone to step forward and make a difference,” he said.

On Oct. 24, 2025, in an emergency situation Commonwealth University-Lock Haven student McKenzi Brooks was that individual who stepped up.

Langsdale shared that Brooks was walking to class when she noticed a commotion nearby.

“A family was in distress and on the phone with 911. Their one-year-old child was choking and unable to breathe,” he said.

Langsdale said Brooks jumped in “without hesitation” and approached the family to help. She told the family she was certified in CPR and asked for permission to help.

“Following her training, she delivered backblows to the child, successfully clearing the obstruction before the first responders arrived,” he said. “Thanks to her training, composure and quick action that child is alive and well today.”

Langsdale said her actions embodied the award’s purpose.

“Recipients of the Life Saving Award embody the spirit of the Red Cross by using action to help alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency. Since the program’s revival in 2018 the Red Cross is proud to announce that we’ve honored more than 3,500 individuals worldwide and as a result they’ve helped to save almost 2,000 lives,” Langsdale said.

He emphasized Brooks’s actions to showcase the Red Cross through her life saving efforts.

“We commend you for your willingness to help others in distress,” he said.

Langsdale noted Brooks was nominated for this award by Lock Haven Police Department Officer Andrew Fisher.

In closing, Langsdale said he hopes Brooks’s heroic actions would inspire members of the community to become trained in CPR and first aid.