Deputy honored for saving 8-year-old choking on candy
07/16/2018 9:54 am PDT
By Jennifer Baker, WXIX
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- (WXIX) -- A Butler County deputy sheriff is being honored Monday for saving an 8-year-old girl from choking on a piece of candy.
"I am so glad I am still alive. You are my hero. We appreciate you," Madelynn Kurtz wrote along with two hearts on a note to Deputy Mike Gipson.
The 12-year veteran with the sheriff's office received the agency's Life Saving Award.
Deputy Gipson was at the Cobb Theatre in Liberty Township Saturday when Madelynn began choking on a piece of Warheads Extreme Sour candy, according to the sheriff's office.
He immediately grabbed the child and performed the Heimlich maneuver until the treat was dislodged.
"This is a horrible situation that thankfully ended with the child being OK," Sheriff Richard Jones said.
"I am glad that Deputy Gipson was there and took action. His efforts saved this little girl's life. These things happen in the blink of an eye and I am elated that this one has a happy ending for all."
FULL STORY: Butler County deputy honored for saving 8-year-old choking on candy - WXIX