A civilian came to the rescue when an Ohio police officer collapsed at a community event after being stung by two bees. The pair have since reunited, and the woman will be recognized by the city of Cleveland for the quick thinking that saved the officer’s life.
On Aug. 20, Sgt. Ray O’Connor, of the Cleveland police department’s fourth district, and Officer Brooklyn Barnes were attending a Saturday afternoon “Back to School” festival at Friendly Inn.
O'Connor was playing football with the kids when he approached Barnes and told her that he got stung by two bees.
Barnes and a third district officer dragged O'Connor to their cruiser to administer emergency aid. In the meantime, a civilian, Tomika Johnson, noticed the commotion and sprang into action.
“[She] ran home to grab her 10-year-old son, Zaire’s, EpiPen ... returning on scene within seconds,” the police said.
Johnson gave the EpiPen to Barnes, who administered the shot to her partner before transporting him to the nearest hospital.
O’Connor was still unconscious when he arrived at St.Vincent hospital. He was given immediate medical attention and later transferred to the ICU for observation.
Doctors said that the EpiPen and the quick response by everyone present at that time helped save his life.
The police department praised Johnson for her quick thinking, fast response, and concern for the officer’s well-being, and said she demonstrated a “high regard for human life.”
On Aug. 24, four days after O'Connor’s life-threatening experience, the sergeant was reunited with Johnson and her son at their home.
“Both officers learned that Zaire’s 10th birthday was Monday, and couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you than by bringing over birthday gifts and a $100 gift card,” the police said, adding that both Johnson and her son will be recognized at the City of Cleveland Fourth District Awards Ceremony on Oct. 6, where they will receive the city’s “Citizen Award” for their heroic actions.
The police said: “The above story proves that with the help of the community, lives can be saved.”
