THE GOOD WE DO Recognizes Two Security Officers
THE GOOD WE DO
A weekly broadcast to honor private security and law enforcement officers for their bravery, heroics, and lifesaving measures that made a difference.
Security Officer Saves Choking Man
Jefferson County Alabama
BESSEMER, Ala. A man is alive and breathing, all thanks to a Jefferson County security officer jumping in to help while out to eat in Bessemer.
This miracle happened inside her favorite restaurant Bright Star on December 22.
“When I saw his face, I knew I needed to help right away,” said Officer Suzette Whitted.
She was in uniform at the restaurant and explains that a man sitting a few feet away stood up and motioned toward her. He was choking and couldn’t breathe.
“Went into mode thinking, ‘Okay, this is a Heimlich Maneuver situation,” she said.
Though she was nervous, her training kicked in right away.
“At that point, I started thinking, ‘Is this really working?’” she wondered. “My coworker who was in front of me said, ‘Suzette. I think you got it’ after so many pumps.’ When we looked down, all of the food had thrust from his throat.”
Suzette said the entire room burst into applause once the man could breathe again.
“One of the most emotional moments for me was when his little girl came over teary-eyed saying, ‘Thank you for saving my dad’s life,” said the officer.
Suzette got a photo with the man who she now knows as BJ Parker. The two strangers, now bonded for life.
“As far as my duty — it’s to help and I always try to help,” said Officer Whitted. “It’s just an honor to be able to save a life because there are so many people losing their life.”
The officer and hero will be honored Thursday morning at the Jefferson County Commission meeting for her bravery.
Oak Lawn School Security Guard Honored for Going Above and Beyond to Find Missing Student
Oak Lawn ILL
A school security officer with the Oak Lawn-based Community High School District 218 recently went beyond the call of duty, and on Thursday, was hailed for his efforts.
Chris Harris, who is retired from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and previously served as a school resource officer at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, currently works with the district’s Adult Transition Program, which serves 18- to 22-year-old students with disabilities.
When Kyle Jenkins, a 21-year-old student, went missing Dec. 18, Harris went into overtime – literally.
“I couldn’t allow it to happen to this kid without doing something,” Harris told NBC 5.
Harris pounded pavement after hours on his own time for three days and used his connections to help Kyle’s grandmother and police get him back home.
At some point, Kyle was seriously injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.
At the hospital, Kyle was claimed by another family. But Harris, who happened to be working as Santa Claus at the same hospital, suspected misidentification and got into the intensive care unit.
I felt relieved, it was like the world was lifted off my shoulders,” Harris said.
As for Kyle, he’ll soon be released from the hospital, with Harris and classmates eagerly awaiting his return.
Private Officer International has reached out to both security officers to present them with plaques and letters of recognition.
Both officers will also be presented with Lifetime Memberships to Private Officer International.
If you have an employee that needs to be recognized, please contact helpdesk@privateofficer.com.