On December 16, 2020 at approximately 2024 Hours members of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department “D-Squad” and members of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department were dispatched with Halifax County EMS to Lowes Home Improvements in reference to an employee that was unresponsive and turning blue.  Officers Ellington, Powell and Master Officer Horne arrived in scene at 2027 hours (just 3 minutes after dispatch) and Sergeant Hundley arrived just a minute later.  Sergeant Hundley responded with a department issued automated external defibrallator (AED). Fire Fighters Clements and Jarrett arrived at 2029 hours as Sergeant Hundley was hooking up the victim to the AED.  Master Officer Horne and Officer Ellington were performing CPR and rescue breaths with a bag valve mask.  Fire Fighters Clements and Jarrett immediately began to assist our officers in conducting  “pit crew style” CPR by rotating in and out to keep from tiring one person out.

EMS had a very extended time of arrival because both of the Roanoke Rapids trucks were busy and the closest EMS crew was in Halifax.  The officers and firefighters performed CPR for nearly 20 minutes before EMS arrived.  Once EMS arrived, they began to administer lifesaving medicine through IV and also used their AED twice.  The victim regained a pulse and was transported to Vidant North alive.

The members of the RRPD involved in this incident received the Life Saving Medal.  Fire Fighters Clements and Jarrett received an oak leaf cluster signifying a second award of the Life Saving Medal.  Officer Ellington accepted Sgt. Hundley’s award on his behalf.  The presentations were made by Halifax Resolves Chapter Compatriot  Ken Wilson and Compatriot/City Council member E. C. Bobbitt.

L-R: RRFD Firemen Benjamin C. Clements, Austin C. Jarrett, RRPD Officer Nichole M. Powell,  Officer Elijah W. Ellington, Master Officer Jeremy C. Horne.  Not shown, RRPD Sgt. Daniel J. Hundley.