Blaine police chief Rodger Funk recognized three officers during the October 13 Blaine City Council meeting for their actions that saved lives in two separate incidents.
Officer Trevor Chau was recognized with a life-saving award, while sergeant Jordan Maphumulo received two life-saving awards, and officer Jeremiah Leland was honored with the meritorious service medal, a recognition that goes above life-saving.
During the first incident, Maphumulo found a young person unresponsive during a medical emergency call in May. Maphumulo immediately began rendering aid and revived the person before EMS advanced care support arrived.
“If it was not for his quick call and decisive actions, it is likely this individual would not have survived,” Funk said.
This is the second time Maphumulo has been recognized for his life-saving efforts in the past 1.5 years.
During the second incident, the fire department alerted the police department that it was responding to an automated external defibrillator (AED) call, in case the police were closer and could arrive first. Officers Leland and Chau self-dispatched and Maphumulo, who was not on duty, responded. It was Chau’s second month on patrol.
Within 26 seconds of arriving on scene, Leland and Chau were able to relocate the person to an area where they could provide CPR and began the emergency procedure. “That’s lightning fast,” Funk said.
Maphumulo arrived, and the three worked to save the person’s life, which Funk said likely wouldn’t have been saved without their swift actions. The officers revived the person before the fire department arrived.
Funk said Leland calmly directed the chaotic scene while providing CPR.
“He is responsible for the brave actions of everybody as a team,” Funk said of Leland. “He showed strong leadership, and in my mind, that goes above and beyond life-saving.”
