Cookeville Officers, Firefighters Honored For Life-Saving Efforts

Cookeville city officials recognized several police officers and firefighters for their life-saving efforts during Thursday’s Council meeting.

Each officer and firefighter was presented a medal for their service to the community.

Cookeville Police recognized Officer Chris Melton for saving a suicidal individual threatening to jump off the train overpass on South Willow Avenue. Officer Jacob Bird was also recognized for helping save a choking woman while at a restaurant.

Officers Andrew Gibbs and Jamar Mentor, Lt. Stanley Neal, Lt. Steven Brown, and Firefighter Shane Bates were recognized for their action in saving an apparent overdose victim. The officers and Bates assisted in administering CPR and Narcan to revive the patient before receiving medical attention.

Finally, Lt. Bill Gregg, Engineer Jeff Emerson, and Firefighter Joseph Smith of CFD’s Engine 3 assisted Putnam County EMS in responding to a patient in cardiac arrest. The patient survived the incident thanks to both EMS and the fire department’s quick response.