05/13/2026
On 05/12/2026 at the Craig City Council meeting, three citizens of Craig as well as a Craig Police Department Sergeant received lifesaving awards for their quick thinking and actions during a medical incident that occurred on 04/21/2026.
The following is a statement from SGT Caudell with the Craig Police Department:
"On 4/21/2026 at approximately 1820hrs, CSP dispatch aired a call for service at a local gym for a male who was unconscious and not breathing. They further aired that bystanders were currently performing CPR on this male. I responded emergent and arrived on scene roughly 3 minutes later. When I arrived on scene I observed multiple females around the male, who was lying on the ground. One of the parties was later identified as Lauren Hill, a Radiology Technician at Memorial Regional Health, was performing CPR on the male, while a second, Melissa Peterson, was giving the male rescue breaths. I checked for a pulse and observed that the male was still not breathing and had no pulse. I took over CPR on the male, and when EMS arrived on scene, Lauren assisted them with trying to establish an airway on him. I continued CPR and assisted as EMS used an AED to deliver a shock to the male. The male ultimately survived, and by the time he was transported, was awake and talking. I later learned that Lauren began CPR within 30 seconds of him losing consciousness, and a third female, Misty Newell took turns performing chest compressions with Lauren. Without their quick thinking and willingness to help others, I do not believe that the male party would have survived. I learned that Lauren, Melissa, and Misty facilitated multiple rounds of CPR and rescue breaths before I arrived on scene."
CPL Gonzalez with the Craig Police Department was present during the Life Saving ceremony and said the following:
"SGT Caudell located the patient along with several civilians that were providing CPR to the patient. SGT Caudell did not hesitate and jumped right in to help with CPR, taking turns with the civilians who work in the medical field.
SGT Caudell continued to assist with the patient until EMS arrived on scene. EMS arrived and continued working on the patient with SGT Caudell's help. After all life saving measures were done, the patient regained consciousness while on scene. After further medical treatment, the patient is expected to fully recover. Sgt Caudell's actions were crucial in the saving of this patient's life".
Receiving a life‑saving award is more than a recognition, it is one of the highest honors any public servant or community member can receive. It represents a moment when training, instinct, and courage converged to protect the most fundamental gift we have, human life.
This award is not simply about a single act. It is a reminder that we live in a community where citizens step forward without hesitation, where ordinary people become extraordinary in the moments that matter most. When someone’s life hangs in the balance, we are fortunate to have individuals who refuse to only stand by, but who act decisively, and who ensure that others are safe and, most importantly, that they survive.
To receive this honor is deeply humbling. It reflects not only the actions taken in a critical moment, but also the spirit of a community that believes in looking out for one another. It stands as proof that courage is not rare, it lives among us every day, in the people who choose to act when others need them most.
We are truly proud of and thankful for Lauren Hill, Melissa Peterson, Misty Newell, and Sergeant Dalton Caudell.
