HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 046-2022 - MDCACP Officer of the Month - NavasBAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO. 046-2022
TO: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manag
DATE: March 11, 2022
SUBJECT: Miami -Dade County Association of C`iiiefs of Police Officer of the Month
Award for December - Officer D. Navas
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to share with you that the Miami -Dade County
Association of Chiefs of Police selected Officer David Navas as the Officer of the Month for
December.
On November 2, 2021 Officer David Navas attended Taser Training, and took his meal break,
along with three other officers, at Chick-Fil-A in North Miami Beach. While having lunch at the
establishment, Officer Navas observed a female in the parking lot in obvious distress,
attempting to catch the attention of bystanders by waving her arms.
All officers rushed out to the parking lot, and they noticed a good Samaritan attempting to
administer the Heimlich Maneuver on the distressed female, while yelling out to officers that
the victim was choking. As Officer Navas ran towards the distressed female, he conducted an
assessment as per the Choking Treatment Protocol. Officer Navas observed the female
grabbing her throat, as she was struggling to breathe and was unable to speak. Officer Navas
immediately requested for Officer Jeffrey Hatcher to radio for Miami -Dade Fire Rescue.
Without hesitation, Officer Navas took over the situation and began to administer the Heimlich
Maneuver on the female. He conducted a minimum of five abdominal thrusts. The female
expelled some of the food obstruction; however, she was still having difficulty breathing.
Officer Navas then applied two back blows. At that time, the female immediately responded
that the blockage had dislodged. The female was provided with a chair to sit on, while the
officers monitored and observed her until Fire Rescue arrived. Miami -Dade Fire Rescue
personnel conducted an evaluation and deemed the female to be in good health.
Officer Navas' lifesaving actions are a direct reflection of the core values of the Bal Harbour
Police Department. Even though he was not on duty, Officer Navas jumped into action to assist
someone in need. A failure to act or any delay in lifesaving efforts during such a medical
emergency could have led to a tragic outcome. Instead, Officer Navas' quick response,
recognition of this medical emergency, and his immediate action resulted in the saving of a
life.
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