Officer Stacy Arebalo has been honored with a Life Saving Award by the Bear Valley Police Department.
According to a news release, on Sept. 22, Arebalo responded to a call of a medical emergency at the equestrian center. He immediately grabbed his first aid kit and AED and began administering CPR on an unconscious woman in cardiac arrest.
Arebalo organized and coordinated with residents to ensure chest compressions continued while he prepared the AED, which delivered a life-saving shock to the woman, the release stated. Officer Arebalo and those residents maintained CPR until the Kern County Fire Department and an ambulance arrived to take her to a landing zone so she could be airlifted to a hospital.
"Officer Arebalo's dedication to the safety and well-being of our community is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have you as a member of our department," said Bear Valley Police Acting Chief Dain Hurst.
Officer Arebalo's actions, as well as the actions of the residents who assisted, were instrumental in saving a life that day, he said, adding that the department commends Arebalo and extends its sincere gratitude to everyone in our community who worked together.