CCSD Honors Police Officer with Life-Saving Award

Above: Dr. Richard Landolt and CCSD Police Sgt. Chris Shaw, as School Board members, including Erin Ragsdale, left, look on.

A Cherokee County School District police officer and the person whose life he recently saved were reunited at a special recognition during Thursday’s School Board meeting.

CCSD Police Sgt. Chris Shaw was recognized by the School Board with the CCSD Police Department’s Life-Saving Award in honor of his heroism and life-saving actions.

While off-duty and serving as a parent chaperone on a CCSD school field trip in Washington, D.C. in November, Sgt. Shaw responded, without hesitation, when a tour leader experienced a medical emergency.  He immediately began life-saving measures including CPR.  

When the U.S. Capitol Police responded, the tour leader was unconscious, and they could not register a pulse. Sgt. Shaw continued administering CPR, with support from responding police, for about four minutes … and the tour leader regained consciousness!  He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Doctors determined the tour leader, retired CCSD Principal Dr. Richard Landolt, had experienced a heart attack, and his life was saved by Sgt. Shaw’s actions!  Dr. Landolt joined in the special recognition on Thursday night, presenting Sgt. Shaw with the shirt he was wearing that was ripped open to save his life.

Sgt. Shaw was commended by the School Board for exemplifying the highest standards of service, dedication, and compassion.  His selfless act is a testament to his commitment to protecting and serving the entire community, above and beyond his official duties.  Congratulations and thank you to Sgt. Shaw and thank you to our School Board for its continued investment in our police department!

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Above: From left, CCSD Police Chief Buster Cushing, Dr. Richard Landolt, and CCSD Police Sgt. Chris Shaw, as School Board members look on.