Massachusetts school resource officer honored for saving choking girl
FITCHBURG, Mass. June 18 2022— A Fitchburg police officer was honored for recently saving a girl choking during a school lunch, Friday.
Officer Steven Hachey receive the TEAM Award from Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., for jumping into action.
The choking incident took place at the Longsjo Middle School back in early March. Officer Hachey is assigned to the school as a school resource officer. On March 2, an 11-year-old girl by the name of Jean Sprague approached Officer Hachey around noontime, and informed the officer she was choking by pointing towards her throat.
“Officer Hachey instinctively knew this young girl was in distress and reacted without hesitation,” DA Early said.
Officer Hachey performed the Heimlich maneuver on the Sprague, which dislodged the food from her airway.
“This student was just enjoying her lunch at school, like any other day, and because of this officer a possible tragedy was avoided,” DA Early said.
Fitchburg Police Chief Ernest Martineau talked about how the work of Officer Hachey highlights the important role school resource officers play.
“I feel there is no greater community engagement than what happens each and every day between our School Resource Officers and the student body.” Chief Martineau said.
The TEAM Award was created by the District Attorney’s office in 2019 to honor public safety employees “who go above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the District Attorney’s office.
