On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, the Cornelius Police Department presented Officer Joseph Squashic with the Life Saving Award for demonstrating a high degree of professional excellence and his quick response to saving a resident.

Officer Squashic responded to a cardiac arrest call on Decora Drive at 6:51am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Upon arrival, Officer Squashic found Cornelius resident, Mr. David Rochester, unresponsive and not breathing so he immediately began chest compressions. After briefly performing chest compressions, Officer Squashic attached the AED to Mr. Rochester and delivered a shock. He continued to perform CPR until Cornelius-Lemley Fire & Rescue and Mecklenburg County EMS personnel arrived and took over life saving measures. EMS was able to get a faint pulse before leaving the residence and transported Mr. Rochester to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

David Rochester is not only a Cornelius resident, but a familiar face around the Cornelius Police Department. He participated in the Cornelius Police Citizens Academy in 2008 and has since volunteered over 1,000 hours with the department. Mr. Rochester currently serves as the Chair of the Cornelius Crime Initiative Committee and is an active member of the North Mecklenburg Crimestoppers.

Officer Squashic has been with the Cornelius Police Department since April of 2012. Mr. Rochester was in attendance of the Award Ceremony today as Officer Squashic received this special recognition.