A pair of fast-acting Cody police officers are credited with saving the lives of two women in recent months.

On separate, unrelated calls, the department says Officer Jeremy Traverse and Sgt. John Harris delivered critical aid to women who were experiencing medical emergencies. Both officers received the department’s Lifesaving Award at Tuesday’s meeting of the Cody City Council.

Sgt. John Harris

Harris responded to a call last August of a 72-year-old woman who was unresponsive. He arrived at Juby’s Mobile Home Court about a minute-and-a-half later. The woman’s daughter was attempting to deliver life-saving breaths, but the woman wasn’t breathing and her lips were turning purple, Cody Police Chief Jason Stafford said.

Harris moved the woman to a lying down position and began chest compressions.

“While performing these compressions, he also had the thought of mind to direct the daughter to go to his car and get his AED out of his car,” Stafford said.

Fortunately, the automated external defibrillator wasn’t needed, as the woman stirred and “actually came back to life” following the compressions, Stafford said.

A paramedic at Cody Regional Health later confirmed Harris’ actions had saved the woman’s life.

Officer Jeremy Traverse

As for Traverse, he responded to an early January report of a 65-year-old woman choking. The officer arrived at the 22nd Street residence in about two minutes, getting there about four minutes before EMTs, Stafford said.

The woman was beginning to turn blue, but Traverse successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the food that had caused her to choke. The officer “undoubtedly” prevented the woman for dying or suffering a serious injury, Stafford said, adding that, “When asked about the incident, Officer Traverse, in his usual humble way, stated, ‘It’s just part of my job.’”

In receiving the Lifesaving Award, both officers were commended for appropriately assessing the situation, their clear thinking and rapid actions.

“Your service is greatly appreciated in our community,” Cody Mayor Matt Hall told the officers.

Stafford indicated that the department might begin handing out those and other awards at biannual banquets, but Hall said they’re always welcome before the council.

“They’re great to see,” Hall said.