UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

Officers Recognized for Saving a Life at UT Tyler

November 20, 2012

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

November 20, 2012

Members of the UT Tyler and UT Health Science Center at Tyler Police Departments were recognized for their efforts in successfully responding to a choking victim at a campus event, Mike Medders, UT Tyler police chief, announced.

“On Nov. 10 while working security at an R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center event, UT Tyler Sgt. Michael Seale and UTHSCT Officer Alicia Dockens observed a patron who motioned she was choking,” Medders said. “Both officers immediately took action and successfully administered the Heimlech maneuver.”

The officers were recognized by UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry and Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Judy Hill. Each officer also was presented with the Life Saving bar, which will be displayed on their uniforms. The UT System Office of the Director of Police recognized their actions and approved them for the honor.

“Due to Sgt. Seale's and Officer Dockens' quick actions, a possible tragedy was averted. We are very proud of their actions as both acted in a calm, professional manner and utilized the skills they had learned during their law enforcement training,” Medders added.

Police Officers Honored: (From left) Seale, Dockens, Judy Hill, her husband Charles Hill and President Mabry. Seale and Dockens were recognized for their efforts in successfully responding to a choking victim at a campus event. They both were presented with the Life Saving bar.