Crestview Police Department officers and dispatchers were honored last week for their life-saving response that saved a two-year-old boy experiencing a medical emergency last month.
- On April 8, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Crestview Police units responded to a report of a two-year-old boy possibly experiencing cardiac arrest and seizures.
Officer Jessika Axelson was first to arrive, finding the boy unresponsive and without a heartbeat. She immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Officer Jared Simmons arrived shortly after and joined Officer Axelson in continuing CPR. Officer Matthew Phillips then deployed his automated external defibrillator. After analyzing the boy’s condition, the AED indicated a normal heart rhythm, and no shock was administered.
- Through the continued efforts of Officers Axelson, Phillips and Simmons, the boy regained a pulse and began breathing independently.
Officer Rachel Skelly assisted in carefully carrying the non-responsive child to the Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services ambulance to ensure his breathing condition was maintained.
Behind the scenes, dispatchers Jordan Oakley and Hailey Gould worked to ensure quick and accurate data entry at the 911 console. Dispatch Lead Ashley Tingle provided timely updates and vital information to the responding officers.
- “When I reviewed the body worn camera footage from this incident, I watched and heard our officers and dispatchers work under immense pressure with composure, clarity, and a commitment to save the life of a small child,” said Major Joshua Grace. “Watching them work together was both humbling and inspiring and served as a reminder of the importance of continuous training and effective communication across all levels of our agency.”
The officers and dispatchers received lifesaving awards on May 8 at Warrior’s Hall, located at 201 Stillwell Blvd. in Crestview. The boy’s family attended the ceremony and presented each officer and dispatcher with gift baskets.
Darnitra Skinner, the mother of the two-year-old boy, expressed her gratitude at the ceremony.
“I am so very thankful for the officers, dispatchers, and the county EMS for their quick actions,” Skinner said. “When I called 911, Officer Jessika Axelson arrived at our home in less than five minutes from when I made the phone call and did what she needed to do. Without them, my son wouldn’t be here with us today. Please continue to do an amazing job protecting and saving lives.”
