RECOGNITION QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

SERGEANT STEPHEN BERGSTROM, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sergeant Bergstrom was recognized for taking life-saving action when a subject was shot. When he found the unresponsive subject he discovered a gunshot wound high on his thigh. He recognized this as likely an injury to the femoral artery which, without emergency care, could lead to death. When he realized the wound was too high on the thigh to apply a tourniquet, Sgt. Bergstrom inserted his thumb into the gunshot wound and applied pressure on the artery. While maintaining pressure he provided directions to deputies to secure the crime scene and reduce foot traffic, and sent a deputy to escort rescue personnel to his location in order to ensure prompt emergency medical care. Detectives later learned from hospital staff that the victim’s femoral artery was indeed perforated. The victim survived largely to Sergeant Begstrom’s quick actions in providing emergency care to the victim and effectively managing the scene.

DEPUTY SCHENIQUE HARRIS, DETENTION

While off duty and riding as a passenger in a vehicle, Deputy Schenique Harris was recognized for taking quick action and performing first aid on the driver who suffered a stroke while driving. Deputy Harris attempted to stop the vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 40 miles per hour, but the incapacitated driver was still pressing on the accelerator. Deputy Harris avoided five vehicles; three of which were in oncoming traffic. Deputy Harris was able to gain control of the vehicle and pull over, where she removed the driver from the vehicle and administered CPR until he began breathing again. EMS arrived and the driver was transported to the hospital.

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR SAMANTHA MCCANN, CIVILIAN

Child Protective Investigator Samantha McCann was recognized for her investigation of a group home for teens. This investigation pertained specifically to three teenage males, who were permanently assigned to the group home. All three juveniles have severe mental health and behavior issues. There were concerns that all three juveniles were being physically abused by the staff. In addition, the staff at the group home had concerning criminal and DCF histories. CPI McCann acted quickly by contacting CPID Administration, law enforcement, DCF Licensing and case management. The juveniles were immediately taken away from the group home and placed in other facilities. At the conclusion of the investigation, CPID Administration and DCF Licensing closed the facility and did not renew its license. Due to CPI McCann’s work during this investigation, these children are now in a safer and stable environment.