OMAHA, Neb. - Around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, Omaha Police Officer David Ackerson was flagged down by frantic bystanders who found a male that had collapsed while scooping his work van out of the snow near 119th and Q streets.
Because of the actions of the bystanders, officer Ackerson was able to begin life saving measures on the man while the Omaha Fire Department was responding to the scene.
Omaha Fire Department Medic 61 C-shift and Truck 61 C-shift arrived and took over CPR from Officer Ackerson before transporting the patient to an area hospital.
The man's daughter, Brandy, wants to thank the citizens who were able to promptly start care and flag the officer down to assist her father. Brandy has been unable to connect with the bystanders who were there that day but she wants them to know just how much their actions mean to her.
"I can't thank you enough for stopping to help my father," Brandy said. "I don't know quite the circumstances of what exactly happened, but you stepping up and stepping in was crucial to his care thus far."
"If you hadn't been there, I don't know what we would be facing right now," Brandy said. "This man is so dear to us and you gave us the gift of time and hope."
Brandy was able to speak with Officer Ackerson calling him "an angel."
She also expressed her gratitude for the firefighters and paramedics who responded.
"I don't know how you do it," Brandy said. "You face this every day and still show up. You along with everyone else are forever my heroes for helping my father."
"The quick work by OPD to start CPR gave the chance at a positive outcome," said Battalion Chief Scott Fitzpatrick, an Omaha Fire Department spokesperson. "The officers started the process to save this patients life and were able to call for OFD paramedics to continue the process."
"We encourage every citizen to become CPR certified because you never know when you might be in a position like these officers to save a life," said Fitzpatrick.
The Omaha Police Department Public Information Office declined to comment on this story.
