NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Three Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management at Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, police officers were recognized for their life-saving actions during a ceremony held on Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Dec. 19, 2024.
Police Officers Sidney Walker III, Marc MacLain and Sgt. Michael McBride, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, were awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. On Sept. 16, 2024, Walker, MacLain and McBride responded to a medical emergency resulting in a motor vehicle accident, requiring the resuscitation of an active-duty military member.
“This award is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who save or sustain a life by giving skills and knowledge learned by the Red Cross,” said Laura Burke, executive director, American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Chapter. “Since the revival of this award program in 2018, the Red Cross is proud to announce we have honored more than 3,000 individuals worldwide, and as a result, they have helped save over 1,500 lives, and we are about to add to that number with this presentation today.”
Police Capt. Jeffery Fulton, police supervisor, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, nominated the officers for the award to recognize their lifesaving actions and quick response.
“As William Shakespeare said, ‘virtue is bold and goodness never fearful.’ The acts performed by these three officers shows the true meaning of this statement. Your selfless actions have brought more days for a young man to spend with his father and for a family to enjoy time that otherwise would have been tragically ripped away from them,” Fulton said. “As your supervisor, your actions have made me proud to say I lead such great men. Your acts have shined a positive light on the department and the great men and women who serve in it.”
On Sept. 16, 2024, Walker, MacLain and McBride responded to a vehicle accident involving a Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna, visitor who suffered a personal medical emergency. The officers administered lifesaving care, and the visitor was able to make a full recovery.
“All of us wanted to get him the care that he needed. All three of us are prior service, so we brought our medical training from our military service, and our medical training from here in the police department allowed us to act accordingly,” MacLain said. “We didn’t even have to speak. We knew what we had to do to save a fellow brother.”
“Especially with being prior military, we’re used to situations that are quick and dramatic, so using our training comes to the forefront,” Walker added.
Chief of Police Douglas Schraeder, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, shared details of the officer’s actions and the importance the police department places on properly training all of their officers.
“Being on the scene myself, I witnessed first-hand what these officers did in a heroic moment, and seeing the positive outcome of this situation reassured me that the training we’re providing our folks is effective,” Schraeder said. “I want to thank the American Red Cross for providing the tools and materials for our instructors to train our staff to be effective and get out here and do the job.”
During the ceremony, Robert Montefour, site director, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, also presented Walker, MacLain and McBride with the DLA Meritorious Civilian Service Award for providing public service during the accident and medical emergency.
“It means everything to be able to recognize these officers because, many times, the Installation Management team are the unsung heroes,” Montefour said. “When this opportunity comes up to be able to show some of the great work that our folks do, it ripples through the whole organization. It’s a nice boost for the whole staff that they can see the work they do matters and is recognized.”
MacLain reiterated the amount of teamwork and collaboration that exists within the organization.
“Our success is dependent on having trust and confidence in each other and depending on them to make the right choice,” MacLain said. “I can trust both of these guys, and I can trust my department to do the right thing.”