7/27/2019 Young men honored

1/3

MEDIA ADVISORY

ForImmediateRelease

July 29, 2013Media Relations UnitDenver Police Department

1331 Cherokee Street, Room 402

Denver, CO 80204-2720

Phone: 720-913-6028

Fax: 720-913-7029

Correction: While there was a Special Olympics class underway at thepool at the time of the rescue, the distressed swimmer was there for thegeneral session and not part of the Special Olympics

Young men to be honored for coming to the assistance of a distressedswimmer taking part in a Special Olympics class at the Hiawatha DavisRecreation Center

Program includes presentation of Bi l l Daniels Neighborhood Hero

Awards

Who:

Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia, lifeguards at Hiawatha Davis RecreationCenter.

Denver Police Chief Robert White

Gretchen Burdekin, Red Cross Division Program Manager for Aquatics

Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund

What: Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia will be recognized by Chief White for coming tothe aid of a distressed swimmer last May (see synopsis below). The young men will eachreceive a surprise check as part of the Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award. There will

also be a brief presentation by the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross on thelifesaving importance of knowing CPR and water safety, followed by a live demo of CPR.

When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2013.

Where: Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, 3334 Holly Street, Denver, Colorado.

7/27/2019 Young men honored

2/3

Why: Victor and Isaacs actions are heroic, inspiring, and embody the spirit ofpreparedness for emergency situations.

Visuals:

Speeches, award and check presentation

Live demonstration of the CPR skills used to assist the swimmer

Synopsis:On Saturday, 05/12/2013 at approximately noon, Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia wereworking as life guards at the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, located at 3334 HollyStreet, Denver. In the pool were open swimmers, individuals that were training, and aSpecial Olympics group.

Isaac was monitoring open swim participants in the deep end of the pool when he noticedan individual at the bottom of the pool under the slide. Isaac got Victors attention and yelledout for someone to call 911. Victor and Isaac worked together to rescue the swimmer andpull him out onto the pool deck.

The two quickly evaluated the boys condition. Victor checked for a pulse and found that hehad a pulse, but was unconscious and not breathing. Victor started to give him rescuebreaths at this point. Meanwhile, Isaac ran to the front desk to ensure that 911 had beencalled and to get EMS en route. After approximately 2 rescue breaths, he coughed a littlebit and started breathing. He then opened his eyes and had his eyes wide open like he was

shocked as to what was taking place. By this time Isaac had returned and both Victor andIsaac started talking to him trying to calm him down. He at this time was conscious, but wasin a daze and was just turning his head from side to side and not speaking. He then startedbreathing rapidly, but did not appear to be fully oriented. Victor and Isaac then continued tocalm him down by speaking with him in a calm and deliberate tone.

A very short time later, paramedics arrived and took over the situation and started toevaluate his condition. Victor and Isaac advised the paramedics of what had taken placeand he was ultimately transported to Childrens Hospital.

We would like to congratulate these young men for their actions to ensure a very special life

was not ended on that early summer day.

7/27/2019 Young men honored

3/3