Daytona State honors students, employees for life-saving action

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 3, 2014) – Twelve Daytona State College employees and students were honored on April 3 for their life-saving response to emergency incidents as part of the Campus Safety Department’s annual Wall of Fame program.

The recognition highlighted Campus Safety Awareness Day, an annual event promoting a safe and secure collegial environment.

During the event, Chief Operating Officer and Provost Tom LoBasso noted that college-wide safety awareness efforts have resulted in decreased incidents on campus and contributed to the college’s safe environment.

Guest speaker Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood lauded the college’s Campus Safety team and encouraged attendees to remain vigilant. “You are the eyes and ears of policing,” he said. “If you see something, say something. Trust your life experience and trust your gut. If you see something that doesn’t belong, chances are it doesn’t.”

The Wall of Fame program recognizes students and college employees who have demonstrated exemplary behavior during a campus safety-related matter.

Among this year’s honorees were:

• Nursing students Jerico Balduf, Leslie Coker, Jennifer Hirsch, Dolly Miles, Michele Povilaitis and Jennifer Smith, who, on March 6 this year, risked their own safety to render aid to motorists involved in an auto accident. Working as a team, some entered a smoldering vehicle and administered emergency first aid until paramedics arrived, then continued to assist throughout the rescue operation. “These students recognized a dangerous situation and reacted as experienced professionals, and are a true credit to their career passion,” said DSC Director of Campus Safety William Tillard in presenting the awards.
• Receiving Clerk James Keeling, who, on Feb. 11 this year, helped apprehend a fleeing assailant. Keeling observed the suspect trying to leave and flagged down a campus safety officer and a Daytona Beach police officer, who quickly captured the suspect after a brief foot chase. “Without James’ quick thinking and action, the suspect would have escaped,” Tillard said.
• Former student Josh Price, who, last December, came to the aid of a student who was having a seizure north of the Daytona Beach Campus Library. “As the student passed out, Mr. Price prevented his head from hitting the concrete,” Tillard said. “Without his quick thinking and action, the student could have been seriously injured.”
• In October last year, instructor Lisa Smith was teaching a CPR class at the Advanced Technology College when she was alerted to a call about a mother who had rushed her unresponsive child to the ATC thinking the facility was a nearby hospital. Her quick actions and expertise stabilized the child until EMS units arrived to take the child to a local hospital for treatment.
• Daytona State adopted a tobacco-free campus policy last summer. Much of the effort behind this initiative can be credited to Fitness Center Coordinator Nancy Homen, who organized campaigns to help people quit smoking, conducted surveys of students and employees regarding implementation of a tobacco-free campus policy, and helped sway institutional perceptions about tobacco use on campus. “She remained dedicated and enthusiastic in her united efforts with other employees and staff who recommended her for this award,” Tillard said.
• In April last year, Tillard and student Sherry Bowers assisted a young man who had suffered a seizure outside Bailey Hall by administering life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived. The young man was not breathing and was turning blue; however, their quick thinking and actions likely saved his life.

The day also featured information by participating vendors, law enforcement displays and demonstrations. Campus Safety also offered a CPR Certification course during the event.

The day concluded with a simulated lockdown drill employed in the event of a critical incident on campus.

Safety awareness activities took place at all regional campuses as well.

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