Tag: lifesaving awards

A Lifesaving Moment Thousands of Miles from Home

More than 4,500 miles from home in Munich, Germany, Deputy Kelly Olson, a school resource officer with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, found herself in a moment that demanded action. She was off duty, chaperoning a high school group, when she noticed a woman at a nearby table struggling to breathe. The telltale signs of choking were unmistakable.

Washington County Deputy Kelly Olson
(Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriffs Office) 

Olson acted instantly. Relying on years of training, she stepped forward, calmly positioning herself behind the woman and performing the abdominal thrusts she had practiced so many times before. Within moments, the obstruction cleared, and the woman took a breath—her life saved by the decisive actions of someone who had dedicated her career to helping others.

Pictured is Deputy Kelly Olson (right) and a woman whose life she saved (left) while in Germany. (Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office) 

“I became a law enforcement officer to serve and help others, and on this occasion, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to save a life. I’m grateful for the training I received, which enabled me to respond when someone’s life was at risk.” – Deputy Kelly Olson

Recognizing Courage and Preparedness
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, recently recognized Olson’s quick thinking and bravery with the prestigious Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action—a national American Red Cross award given to individuals who use lifesaving skills to save or sustain a life.

“The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals, like Deputy Olson, who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life,” said Brice Johnson, Regional CEO for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

Pictured L to R: Tom Meyer, Red Cross lifetime board member; Deputy Kelly Olson; Brice Johnson, Red Cross Regional CEO for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, and Sheriff Dan Starry, Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Olson’s story is a testament to the importance of lifesaving training, a reminder that emergencies don’t wait for the right time or place—they happen anywhere, and those who are ready can make all the difference.

A Moment of Gratitude and Celebration
The award ceremony was more than just an event—it was a celebration of a community built on service and readiness. Olson’s father, a retired Minneapolis Police Lieutenant who served for 30 years, proudly nominated her for this award and stood by as his daughter was recognized for her heroic actions. The moment was made even more meaningful as Olson recently welcomed a child of her own, adding a new layer of significance to her dedication to protecting .

“I’m so proud of her,” said her father who pinned Kelly’s badge on her nearly 10 years ago.”

Deputy Kelly Olson with her parents, husband and daughter following a Washington County Sheriff’s Office Recognition Ceremony on January 30, 2025.

Get Involved
Emergencies don’t wait. They happen in restaurants, on sidewalks, in workplaces, and at home. Being prepared with the right skills can mean the difference between life and death. The Red Cross offers a variety of lifesaving courses, including CPR, AED, and first aid training, ensuring that more people are ready to respond when the unexpected happens.

Get Trained: Sign up for a lifesaving course today at redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate a Hero: Know someone who has used their training to save a life? Nominate them for a Red Cross Lifesaving Award at LifesavingAwards.org.

✨ HERO SPOTLIGHT! ✨ Amber Lawrence Honored with Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Heroic Rescue

On January 7, 2025, we were thrilled to honor Amber Lawrence with the prestigious Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, one of the highest accolades from the American Red Cross. This award recognizes individuals who save or sustain lives using skills gained through Red Cross Training Services.

Brice Johnson, Regional CEO of the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, proudly presents Amber Lawrence with the Lifesaving Award, recognizing her heroic actions in saving a life through her Red Cross training. Photo: America Red Cross/Sue Thesenga

On August 8, 2024, at the Andover YMCA, Amber’s Red Cross training in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid was put to the ultimate test. While on duty, Amber witnessed a stroller with an infant strapped inside accidentally roll into the deep end of the lap pool. Without hesitation, Amber dove into action, jumping into the water and lifting the stroller just high enough for the baby’s head to break the surface. The infant cried out, and with the help of bystanders, both the child and stroller were safely pulled from the water.

Brice Johnson, regional CEO for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, praised Amber’s heroic actions, stating, “We are immensely proud to present the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to Amber. Her actions embody our commitment to enabling people to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.”

Amber Lawrence, honored with the Red Cross Lifesaving Award, stands by the pool where her quick thinking and Red Cross training saved an infant’s life. Her heroic actions exemplify the power of preparedness and courage in emergency situations.

Amber, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin River Falls studying Psychology, has been passionate about swimming since she was three years old. She earned her lifeguard certification in 2021 and now works as a lifeguard at the YMCA in Hudson, Wisconsin, balancing her duties with her academic commitments.

YMCA of the North’s aquatics team congratulate Amber Lawrence on her prestigious award. Photo: American/Red Cross/Sue Thesenga

Reflecting on the event, Amber shared, “It was scary. I am grateful for my Red Cross training, which gave me the confidence to handle the situation. My heart was relieved, and I was happy as soon as the child was safe.”

Amber Lawrence, receiving a big congratulatory hug from her grandfather at the Lifesaving Award presentation on January 7, 2025. Photo: American Red Cross/Sue Thesenga

Let’s all take a moment to recognize Amber for this heroic accomplishment! 👏

Inspired by Amber’s story? Empower yourself with lifesaving skills by enrolling in a Red Cross training course today! Find a class near you: Red Cross Training ▶️

Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them for a Lifesaving Award and help us honor their courage. Learn more about the awards: Red Cross Lifesaving Awards ▶️

Two Minot AFB Airmen Receive National Red Cross Awards

The Airmen’s contribution to the safety of their fellow citizens reflects the spirit of the American Red Cross by using action to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergency. Thanks to their Red Cross and emergency training, as well as their quick response and professionalism, Airman 1st Class Damian Cordoba and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Thompson were able to save two lives in their community and earn one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross.

Airman 1st Class Damian Cordoba (above left) of the 5th Medical Group saved a life while off duty and working a shift at local restaurant, The Starving Rooster, on November 8, 2022. When he realized that one of the restaurant’s patrons was choking, Cordoba rushed across the restaurant and, without hesitation, began performing abdominal thrusts on the man. After several attempts, the object was still in place so he began more abdominal thrusts and then performed a throat sweep, dislodging the obstruction. Photo from Minot AFB.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Thompson (above right) of the 5th Security Forces Squadron saved the life of a fellow Defender while posted at Minot AFB’s South Gate, December 20, 2022. In an attempt to open a bucket of ice melt, the Airman utilized the knife part of a multi-tool. Thompson was manning the gate when he heard a loud crash and returned to see the Airman on the ground with what appeared to be a minor cut. Upon further inspection, Thompson realized that the Airman had sustained a severe arterial cut on his forearm. He instructed the Airman to apply pressure on the wound while he applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding until EMS arrived at the scene. Photo from Minot AFB.

Zoe Wergeland Manstrom (above left), executive director of the Western North Dakota Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross, and Lorie Herbel (top right), Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Manager, presented the awards to the Airmen at Minot AFB in June. To learn more about Red Cross lifesaving skills training click here.

Copy and photos used with permission from Minot AFB.