BEHIND THE BADGE
As the chief of police for Boerne, I am both proud and humbled to recount an event that serves as a testament to the dedication, professionalism and selflessness of our officers and community members.
On Sept. 6, 2024, we gathered in the Boerne Police Department’s training room for a ceremony that none of us had planned for, but one we were all grateful to attend.
Family, friends, and first responders filled the room in a heartwarming reunion, brought together by a near tragedy that took place just a few months earlier. It was a day no one will forget, especially for one family whose summer almost ended in heartbreak.
On June 30, a call came in about an unresponsive 3-year-old boy found in the Trails of Herff Ranch community pool. What happened next is a story of quick thinking, expert training and, above all, teamwork.
Lindsay Hiser, a registered nurse who was present at the scene, was the first to act. Without hesitation, she began administering CPR, using her training to give the boy a fighting chance.
Moments later, our officers — Jose Salazar, Stephen Moring, Cody Shelton and Zach Reed — arrived and immediately took over the lifesaving efforts.
It wasn’t long before Boerne firefighters and Kendall County EMS arrived to help stabilize the boy. The child was quickly transported to a hospital in San Antonio, where he was treated and, thankfully, later released.
At the ceremony, we honored the brave efforts of these four officers with the Lifesaving Award, recognizing their swift actions that ultimately saved the boy’s life. Their response exemplifies the high standards of police work and a dedication to the Boerne community.
Officer Rebecca Foley, one of the department’s CPR instructors, also recognized the officers with the American Heart Association Heart Saver Award, a distinction for completing the necessary training and successfully utilizing it when it mattered most.
Everyone’s quick thinking, teamwork and lifesaving measures in this critical situation were instrumental in saving this child’s life.
The most touching part of the ceremony came after the awards were presented. We all had the privilege of seeing the little boy, full of life and energy, sharing high-fives and hugs with the officers who saved him. His mother, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, kept saying, “Thank you,” over and over again.
This event reminded us why we do what we do. Our work as first responders is not just about enforcing the law, it’s about protecting lives, often in the most critical moments.
I couldn’t be prouder of the officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and community members who came together that day. It’s moments like these that show the strength of our community and the impact we can have when we work together.
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