By Police1 Staff
WAUSAU, Wis. — A Wausau police officer is receiving national recognition for his heroic acts, according to local news sources.
Officer Thomas Peterson has saved the lives of two young children while on duty. According to Wausau Daily Herald, Officer Peterson revived a 2-year-old on January 20. The girl had no pulse after she was found facedown in a bathtub, but Officer Peterson struck her on the back and brought her back to consciousness before ambulance crews arrived on scene.
The officer performed a similar maneuver on a 7-month-old choking baby in October 2008, according to WSAU.com. Peterson has also won awards for protecting presidential candidates campaigning in Wausau in 2004 and saving a choking colleague in the Marathon County sheriff’s department in 1987.
In an interview with WSAW.com, Wausau’s police chief praised Officer Peterson for his efforts.
“They’re in a negative world. They deal with the seedy part of our society and they don’t get a lot of thanks, and it is a tough job. When they are recognized for their efforts it really goes a long way,” says Chief Jeff Hardel.
Peterson is one of 48 police officers, firefighters and paramedics currently nominated for the award. Each week, the public votes for finalists to be considered for the award winner, which will be selected at a later date.
To see Peterson’s nomination and to vote, visit AMW’s Web site at www.amw.com/allstar/2010.