OSP Trooper and Salem Police Officers Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts

(SALEM) - Last February, a woman's life was saved by the quick reactions of three Salem Police officers and an Oregon State Police trooper who assisted her after she was struck by a car. On Wednesday, those actions were rewarded during a ceremony in Salem. Oregon State Police Superintendent Ronald C. Ruecker and Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore presented awards to those four police officers whose actions were instrumental in saving the woman's live. She attended the presentation to personally thank the officers who helped her. On February 4th, 2006, at approximately 5:59 PM, Oregon State Police Trooper Jason Perrizo overheard a Salem police officer radio for an ambulance to respond to an auto / pedestrian collision at the intersection of Portland Road and Hyacinth. Upon arriving to assist, Trooper Perrizo and Salem Police Officer Garon Boyce found the victim, 46-year old Dorothy M. Roberson of Salem, unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from a head injury. Working together, the officers stabilized the victim's spine and Trooper Perrizo assisted the her breathing with a bag valve mask. After about a minute, Dorothy Robertsons breathing stopped and the officers said they could not find a pulse. With the assistance of Salem Officer Bennett, CPR was initiated as Trooper Perrizo continued providing breaths with the valve mask. Salem Officers Boyce and Donal Chuhlantseff continued to aid in keeping the victim's spine and lower body stabilized. Shortly thereafter, the woman began to breathe on her own and her pulse was restored. Officers continued to monitor her vitals until the Salem Fire Department and Rural Metro Ambulances arrived on scene. Ms. Roberson was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University in critical condition and was in a coma for a short time. She has returned to the Salem area following her hospital care. Superintendent Ronald C. Ruecker presented Trooper Perrizo with the "Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award". Trooper Perrizo, age 32, joined the Department in December 2001. His initial assignment was in the Patrol Services Division assigned to the Tillamook office. In January 2003, he was one of 129 troopers laid off due to budget-related cutbacks. He rejoined the Department in July 2003 assigned at the Capitol Mall Area Command office, and it was a good thing for Dorothy M. Robertson. The "Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award" is named after Lieutenant Harold R. Berg who died on May 10th, 1975. Lieutenant Berg, while off duty, was contacted by a citizen who informed him that a boy scout was missing at Cape Lookout State Park. While attempting to search a cave near the water's edge, he was washed out to sea. The award is given to State Police employees who distinguish themselves by performing or reacting to a situation in a positive and professional manner which saves, or reduces the risk of loss of life of another person; and where a strong possibility existed that if such action wasn't taken, loss of life or serious injury would have resulted. Chief Jerry Moore of the Salem Police Department presented the Department's Life Saving award to Officers Boyce and Bennett. Officer Chuhlantseff received an Individual Letter of Recognition. These awards were presented to the officers for their participation in the life saving efforts performed on Ms. Robertson. The Life Saving Award is awarded to employees who, while serving in an official capacity with the Salem Police Department, performed an active, distinctive, and successful lifesaving of another human being. The Salem Police Department Individual Letter of Recognition is awarded to employees who perform their assigned duties in a manner that reflects credit to the employee and the Department. Senior Officer Sean Bennett, age 42, joined the Department in July 1995. He has worked in the Patrol Division and in the Investigations Division assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. Officer Garon Boyce, age 33, joined the Department in March 2003. He has been assigned to the Patrol Division during his time with the Department. Officer Donald Chuhlantseff, age 39, joined the Department in March 2003. He has been assigned to the Patrol Division during his time with the Department. Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore was proud, "These officers exemplify the professionalism and dedication to their jobs that made a difference in the life of Ms. Robertson. We are proud of their contribution." Information regarding Lieutenant Berg, and other Oregon State Police officers killed in the line of duty, is available on the Oregon State Police web site at www.oregon.gov/OSP/Memorial.shtml.