KATU TV (Portland, Oregon)
Salem, Ore. - Lieutenant Colonel Greg Willeford presented the Oregon State Police Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award on Wednesday to a Salem-area Trooper whose quick actions saved the life of six-day old infant in August 2004.
Trooper Michael Iwai received the award during a ceremony held at the Salem Area Command office.
On August 6, 2004 at approximately 10:06 p.m., Trooper Iwai responded to a medical aid call involving a six-day old infant boy on Highway 51 near Greenwood Road outside of Independence, Oregon.
Upon arrival, the infant’s mother told Trooper Iwai that her baby had stopped breathing. A quick evaluation indicated the small boy infant had stopped breathing and had a weak pulse. Trooper Iwai immediately began rescue breathing using an “ambu bag” and continued until paramedics arrived and took over.
On the way to the Salem Memorial Hospital, the infant stopped breathing again and was resuscitated by paramedics. The infant survived and further medical treatment indicated he was born with a breathing condition. Emergency doctors commended Trooper Iwai for his efforts and attributed the trooper’s actions as part of the reason for the infant’s survival.
During the presentation, the child’s aunt, Christi M. Betancourt, delivered a personal letter from the child’s mother expressing her gratitude for Trooper Iwai’s actions. In addition to the letter, a photograph of the mother and child, and a tee shirt with a personal message from the family were also given to Trooper Iwai.
Trooper Iwai, age 32, is a 7 1/2 year veteran of the Oregon State Police, and has spent the duration of his career assigned as a Patrol Trooper at the Salem Area Command office. He was joined at the ceremony by his wife and two children.
The Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award is named after Lieutenant Harold R. Berg who died on May 10, 1975. Lieutenant Berg, while off duty, was contacted by a citizen who informed him that a boy scout was missing at Cape Lookout State Park. While attempting to search a cave near the water’s edge, he was washed out to sea.
The award is given to State Police employees who distinguish themselves by performing or reacting to a situation in a positive and professional manner which saves, or reduces the risk of loss of life of another person; and where a strong possibility existed that if such action wasn’t taken, loss of life or serious injury would have resulted.
Here is a copy of the letter sent to the trooper by the boy’s mother:
Officer Michael Iwai,
I just wanted you to know that you will be special to me and my family, and I will always remember what you did for my baby Adam.
I really think if you wouldn’t have found us he would have died that night, without my aunt doing CPR and you breathing for him with the Ambu bag, he wouldn’t be here. I thank God everyday for my son, Adam, being here. He is smiling now and discovering his hands.
Thank you,
Sara Navarrete-Betancourt