Lifesaving Efforts Recognized by Port Commisioners

Tuesday, 07 July 2009

Six people, including three Harbor Police Officers, two Navy personnel and a retired physician, were recognized by the Board of Port Commissioners July 7 for their roles in helping to save the lives of two people.

“Their performance reflects the values of the Harbor Police and the Port of San Diego in ensuring a secure environment for the public,” said Harbor Police Chief Kirk Sanfilippo during a presentation at the Board meeting. Each honoree received life-saving commendations, and the Harbor Police Sergeant and two officers received life-saving “shirt bars” to wear on their uniforms.

The most recent rescue was on May 16, 2009, when Harbor Police Officers Timothy Terry and Eugene Wheeldon responded to a call about a man in cardiac arrest aboard his vessel on San Diego Bay.

The officers boarded the vessel, assessed the man’s condition, and used an automated external defibrillator. Retired physician Dr. Frank Mowry was on board the vessel and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation until San Diego Fire Department paramedics arrived and took over.

The other rescue occurred on November 30, 2008, at 28th Street and Harbor Drive. Harbor Police Sergeant Salvador Colin and two U.S. Navy personnel, Gunner’s Mate Seaman Apprentices Jennifer Hendricks and Victoria Seike, saw a vehicle lose control, strike a traffic light at the center median, and roll over several times before coming to rest on its passenger side.

The vehicle was on fire, and the driver was trapped inside. Sgt. Colin, with assistance from Hendricks and Seike, freed the trapped driver through the vehicle’s rear window, and moved him to safety. Sgt. Colin took control of the scene until San Diego Fire Department paramedics arrived.

“The bravery and prompt actions of Sgt. Colin and Navy personnel Hendricks and Seike saved the life of the driver,” said Chief Sanfilippo.

Sgt. Colin was awarded the Burn Institute’s 2009 Exceptional Service Award, and Hendricks and Seike were awarded the institute’s 2009 Spirit of Courage Award at a ceremony held in May, 2009. Every year, the Burn institute honors people who risked their lives to save another from burn injury or death by fire.

The San Diego Harbor Police is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego. The department provides law enforcement, marine fire-fighting services, airport services, public safety and Homeland Security throughout the tidelands and San Diego Bay. Harbor Police Officers patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

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