Seymour police officer recognized with life-saving award

A Seymour police officer was recognized recently for his efforts to save a life.

According to the Seymour Police Department, Officer Dakota Burke received a Lifesaving Award during last week’s Seymour Board of Works meeting.

Police say that Burke was at home and off duty the evening of Nov. 16th when a neighbor’s child knocked on the door and alerted the officer to a medical emergency. Burke grabbed his medical bag and Automated External Defibrillator and went next door where he found Terry Harper unconscious and not breathing. Burke used the AED and began CPR until Jackson County medics arrived. The victim was conscious and alert by the time he was taken to Columbus Regional Health for further treatment.

Harper said he was grateful that Burke was his guardian angel that day, according to police.

Chief Greg O’Brien presented the award, recognizing Burke for saving the life of another human being.

Photo courtesy of Seymour Police Department