WS Chronicle

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

On Friday, Sept. 11, the Winston-Salem Police Department held the Above and Beyond Awards Ceremony for the first quarter of the year.

According to the department website, the ceremony is held each quarter to celebrate officers and sworn employees who go well beyond the scope of their daily duties or preform in a manner that is exemplary and “above and beyond” what is expected of them.

Police Chief Barry D. Rountree said the actions of police officers sometimes go unnoticed, so it is important that the receive the recognition they deserve.

“Today we honor several employees for their service and heroic acts,” said Rountree. “Heroic acts are performed on a daily basis by police officers, but often times those acts go unnoticed.”

Captain Natasha James presented the first award of the evening when she presented

Cpl. R.L. Haskins, Officer B.M. Byerly and Officer T.G. Porter with the Above and Beyond Live Saving Award.

Earlier this year, the three officers responded to call of a unresponsive citizen in his car outside the Biscuitville on 3648 Reynolda Road. Upon arrival, the officers noticed the victim’s skin was discolored, indicating that he wasn’t breathing.

After gaining access inside the vehicle, the officers worked to save the victim. The officers performed CPR, and other emergency protocol measures were taken until EMS arrived.

According to EMS workers, the victim regained a pulse before reaching the hospital and began breathing on his on shortly after reaching the hospital.

“The quick thinking and actions of the these three officers helped save a life,” said James. “We just want to take this time to thank them for their actions.”

Officers Christopher Burbank and Lauren Veal were also presented Life Saving Awards for their actions earlier this year.

The Medal of Merit was also presented during the ceremony to Cpl. K.J. Shay and Officer M.P. Moore.

The Medal of Merit is presented to officers who performed in a manner that exceeded department standards and prevented a probable loss of life or serious injury

Following the ceremony, Mayor Allen Joines thanked all the members of the police force for their dedication and hard work.

“I would like to thank the entire department for the work they do, not just the award winners but the entire department,” Joines said.

“It’s important that we show how much we appreciate these officers, especially on a day like this (9/11), as we remember the acts they did and the acts you perform everyday.”