Youth, Three Ft. Lauderdale Officers, Honored for Saving Officer's Life

A young man in the middle of being booked by Fort Lauderdale Police became a hero after his quick response helped save the life of the officer who was processing him, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

Last September, Officer Franklin Foulks was processing Jamal Rutledge on charges of violation of probation for criminal mischief and burglary, when suddenly, Foulks collapsed. FLPD says Rutledge immediately began to kick the security fence and yell to alert nearby officers.

Sergeant Todd Bunin heard Rutledge's cries for help and upon seeing Foulks clenching his chest, notified police dispatch to send help.

Two other officers, Robert Norvis and Raymond Ketchmark, overheard Bunin's radio transmissions and immediately responded to assist. Norvis removed Foulks' police gear and cut off his shirt. Meanwhile, Ketchmark used a nearby Automated External Defibrillator to stimulate Foulks' heart.

Ketchmark kept in contact with fire rescue and updated responding rescue units on Foulks' condition.

When they arrived, fire rescue personnel transported Foulks to Broward Health Medical Center.

Fort Lauderdale Police say that the attending medical staff noted that the immediate actions by Rutledge, along with the quick response by nearby officers, saved Foulks' life.

Rutledge, Bunin and Ketchmark and Norvis will be honored publicly at the next Fort Lauderdale Commission Meeting held on January 21st at 6:00 p.m.

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