RIT Public Safety officers save choking student

A pair of RIT Public Safety officers received a Public Safety Lifesaving Award after their quick actions saved a student from choking. Officer John Hillenbrand and Sgt. John Potega were alerted to a student having trouble breathing in a car in Grace Watson Circle. The student was choking on a piece of candy and was losing consciousness when the officers pulled him from the vehicle and performed the Heimlich maneuver. The student was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital and was later discharged.

“The officers’ quick response, recognition of a person in distress, and their immediate actions likely saved a life,” said Gary Moxley, director, RIT Public Safety. “Their conduct exemplifies the pride we take in our job and the selfless acts our officers do each day to help others.”