Officers recognized with Life Saving Award

Two Avon Police Department patrol officers were recognized for their efforts in saving the life of a young child.

Officers Alexis Dixon and Holly Alferio received the Life Saving Award on April 15 from Avon City Council, Avon police Chief David Fischbach said.

The officers saved the life of a choking 2-year-old child Oct. 31 of last year, Fischbach said.

“(The two officers) came across an adult female in distress on the side of the road,” he said. “Due to her 2-year-old child choking on an apparent piece of candy, the two officers got out immediately and sprung into action.

“They were able to give a modified Heimlich maneuver to the child.”

Fischbach said that the work simply was part of the officers’ jobs, but the recognition from both city brass and the Avon community is warranted.

Saving a life always is worth the special acknowledgment from the city, he said.

“I don’t think they or I would consider it above the call of duty; it’s what they do every day,” Fischbach said. “I think it’s important to recognize when (our officers) do things like this that positively contribute and have a positive outcome in the community.”

Fischbach said he wants his officers and the Avon Police Department to be a positive force in the community.

This kind of work and the recognition that comes from it are important parts of that mission for the Police Department, he said.

“I think we are part of the community (and) we are one with the community,” Fischbach said. “We stress that with every chance we get.

“Having those interactions with the community, especially the small children of the community, is exactly why these officers were in the right place at the right time.”