MARTA POLICE OFFICERS HONORED BY AMERICAN RED CROSS FOR THEIR HEROIC ACTIONS
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Posted On May 13, 2019
Photo above: Officers Softley and Woodward with MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham
Two officers from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department were recognized by the American Red Cross on May 8th for their heroic and lifesaving actions.
The officers received a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action during a ceremony at Red Cross of Georgia Headquarters. The ceremony coincided with World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which recognize the organization’s network of volunteers and staff who work to alleviate human suffering and help save lives in nearly every country, according to shared humanitarian principles.
MARTA Police Officers Michael Woodward and Keith Softley at Kensington Station
MARTA Police Officer Keith Softley and Corporal Michael Woodward saved the lives of two patrons at MARTA’s Kensington Station on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. At 8:48 a.m., Officer Softley and Corporal Woodward were alerted to a man who was in cardiac arrest. The officers acted quickly, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until he regained consciousness. The man was alert and speaking with officers when transported to the hospital but suffered another medical event at the hospital and died.
Just over an hour later, the same officers were called to a medical emergency in the bus loop at Kensington. Officer Softley and Corporal Woodward once again used the AED and CPR to regain the heartbeat of a man who had gone into cardiac arrest. The man survived.
“To be recognized by the American Red Cross is an incredible honor,” said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. “Officer Softley and Corporal Woodward acted heroically and were able to save a life thanks to their rapid response, quick thinking, training and commitment to duty. They are both humbled by this recognition.”
“The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals such as Officers Softley and Woodward, who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life,” said Terri Badour, Executive Director of Metro Atlanta’s Red Cross. “We commend them for their willingness to help others in distress and are particularly proud to recognize them on a day that’s so meaningful to Red Cross humanitarians worldwide.”
MARTA placed AEDs in all 38 rail stations, MARTA facilities and police vehicles in 2009. The MARTA Police Department credits the use of AEDs with successfully saving four lives in the last three years.
