A State College police officer and two local residents were honored Tuesday for saving the life of a woman who suffered a medical emergency last year inside a children’s clothing store.
Chief John Gardner presented Officer Karin Thomas with the Life Saving Award, while civilians Amanda Breindel and Heather Graham, both medical professionals at Mount Nittany Health who were on the scene of the incident, received certificates of recognition for their efforts.
“We have the opportunity to honor three individuals who without hesitation demonstrated exceptional fortitude and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of others and did so without hesitation,” Gardner said during the ceremony in council chambers at the borough municipal building.
All three were greeted with hugs at the ceremony by a tearful Ruth Etters, who has made a full recovery since going into cardiac arrest last January at Kid to Kid, 154 Rolling Ridge Drive.
Etters was shopping with her daughter on Jan. 19, 2024 when she began to have trouble breathing and collapsed.
Quickly responding to a 911 call, Thomas arrived and found Etters had stopped breathing and had no pulse. Bystanders Breindel and Graham prepared an automated external defibrillator, while Thomas started chest compressions.
After administering a shock with the AED, Thomas continued with eight rounds of chest compressions over approximately nine minutes. By the time emergency medical services arrived, Etters had regained a pulse and began to have some respiratory drive.
Centre LifeLink EMS took Etters to Mount Nittany Medical Center and she was discharged four days later.
“Officer Karin Thomas’ actions serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and demands placed on our law enforcement officers every day, often without the benefit of public knowledge,” Gardner said.
“I’m privileged to say Ms. Etters is here with us today and has made a full recovery from the incident, thanks to the efforts of Officer Thomas, Ms. Breindle, and Ms. Graham. As I present this Life Saving Award to Officer Thomas, let us remember that it is not just a certificate. It is a symbol of the determination and the humanity that drive Officer Thomas and all of our dedicated officers and citizens to do what they do day in and day out.
Thomas, a 24-year U.S. Navy veteran who has been with the State College Police Department for three years, said she was grateful she was there help.
“I just did what anybody would have done in my shoes had they received the call,” Thomas said. “We do what we have to do to save a life. If it means CPR for nine minutes, then that’s what it means. I’m just glad that it worked and that Ms. Etters is here today. And I’m glad I could be a part of that.”
Breindel and Graham each received certificates for “exceptional benevolence and selflessness in assisting law enforcement in life-saving efforts.”
Graham credited the annual training and CPR certification she receives as a medical professional at Mount Nittany Health, where she has worked for 13 years.
“You never really know if you’re out and about… I was just at Kid to Kid shopping for clothes for my son,” Graham said. “I’m glad that we were there and we could help. I’m so glad to see that you’re OK and that our efforts helped make a difference in your life.”
The response of Thomas, Breindel and Graham is a testament to the State College community, Gardner added.
“Not only our officers stepped up and had the training, but we had citizens step up,” Gardner said. “And that’s so unique, especially in a day and age where people don’t want to get involved. And I just applaud your efforts, Amanda and Heather, and especially Karen Thomas, here. But that’s an expectation, not only in the department, but in our community. It’s comforting to know in a time of need, we have people who are willing to step up.”
For Etters, meanwhile, it was an emotional afternoon. She said she only recently learned of the roles Breindel and Graham played in saving her life.
“I want to thank everybody that saved my life,” Etters said through tears. “I’m here today and this is my second chance, and I just want to thank you all.”
