Goshen Township Police Chief John Calko, right, recently presents the Department’s Life-Saving Award to officers Russell Batey III, for his and officer Zachary Hodgson’s life-saving efforts in assisting a Green Township resident experiencing a cardiac arrest on May 18. Hodgson was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP — The Goshen Township Police Department’s Life-Saving Award was presented to two officers in the board of trustees meeting Tuesday.

Police Chief John Calko presented the award to officers Russell Batey III and Zachary Hodgson for their life-saving efforts in assisting a Green Township resident in May.

Calko said that Batey and Hodgson responded to a medical emergency in which an elderly woman had stopped breathing during the midnight turn on May 18 and identified that the woman was experiencing a cardiac arrest. Batey and Hodgson applied an AED and began immediate CPR until the Green Township Fire Department could arrive to transport the woman.

Calko said that he was told by Green Township Fire Chief Todd Baird that without Batey and Hodgson’s intervention before their arrival the woman would not have survived.

“They got an AED and provided CPR…Chief Baird said if it was not for these two, she would have died,” Calko said.

Trustee Chair Shawn Mesler said that having the department’s cruisers equipped with AEDs and its officers trained in CPR was a major benefit for residents, noting that applying the AED quickly is paramount for patient survival in a cardiac event.

“It’s great that you have the AEDs now and are trained in CPR. That early shock is critical. You guys being in your call when the calls come in is absolutely incredible,” said Mesler.

Calko reiterated the value of the AEDs and thanked residents for their support in raising the money necessary for the purchase.

“I want to thank the public for that because a few years ago we did a campaign to raise the money to buy the AEDs and I think we raised $15,000 from that. We wouldn’t have them if it wasn’t for the public really stepping to the plate and raising the money for them, and we’re using them all the time,” Calko said.

Other police matters included the resignation of probationary officer Alex Myers, who Calko said was currently unable to fulfill his duties due to difficulties in his personal life. Calko said Myers was departing on good terms and that once the issues have been resolved he would be open to bringing Myers back on.

The trustees also approved the hire of Brian Flynn as a part-time police officer. Calko said that Flynn currently also works as a part-time police officer for the Poland Village Police Department and has years of experience as an officer. Prior to his current position, Flynn served as a lieutenant for the Youngstown Police Department where he served “for over 24 years” before retiring from the department.

“I believe he is going to bring a lot of experience and value to our department,” Calko said.

The board of trustees will meet next at 6 p.m. on July 14.