SEYMOUR— The Seymour Police Department recently honored one of its own, Officer Dakota Burke, for quick thinking and heroic action that saved a neighbor’s life while he was off-duty.
Burke’s immediate response to a medical emergency on the evening of November 16th was officially recognized by Chief Greg O’Brien.
The incident occurred when Officer Burke was at his home. A neighbor’s child urgently knocked on his door, alerting the officer to a critical medical situation next door. Burke immediately grabbed his medical bag and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and rushed to the scene.
He found his neighbor, Terry Harper, unconscious and not breathing. Without hesitation, Burke deployed the AED and began administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Burke’s timely intervention proved critical. By the time Jackson County medics arrived and took over, Mr. Harper was conscious and alert. He was then transported to Columbus Regional Health for further treatment and observation.
Following the incident, Harper expressed immense gratitude, reportedly telling police that Officer Burke was his “guardian angel” that day.
Chief O’Brien presented Burke with an award, recognizing him for his exceptional efforts and for successfully saving the life of a human being, demonstrating the continuous commitment of Seymour Police officers to public safety, even when they are off the clock.
