NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Susquehanna Police Officer Jerome Whitfield rescued a 10-year-old boy from drowning while off duty July 28.
During a family gathering, Whitfield, a six-year veteran of the DLA police force, noticed the boy at the bottom of a pool, approximately 9 feet deep in the water. Utilizing quick reaction skills as a result of his police training, Whitfield reacted instantly and retrieved the child from the bottom of the pool.
Once clear of the water, Whitfield performed a quick vital sign assessment and found the child was without a pulse. He immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administering four rounds of CPR before the child regained consciousness.
Pennsylvania State Troopers investigating the incident credit Whitfield’s swift actions with directly saving the child’s life. The child was transported to a nearby hospital and has recovered.