Firefighter and police officer honored with Blue & Gold Awards

Date: 6/29/2009

Springfield Firefighter Miguel Delvalle and Granby Police Officer Gary Poehl were recently honored with the "Blue & Gold Award" from the Exchange Club of Springfield. The purpose of the award is to further enhance the public's level of respect, admiration and appreciation for the service and sacrifices that law enforcement officers and firefighters frequently make in the line of duty.

After a wrestling meet between Sabis International Charter School and Franklin Tech, a student collapsed. A coach and student's mother tried to revive him. Nancy Anderson, with Baystate Medical, found that he had no pulse.

Delvalle and Poehl administered CPR and the AED (automated external defibrillator), and through their diligent efforts, managed to successfully revive and save the life of the student.

They were nominated for the award by Dennis Ledger, Public Information Officer of the Springfield Fire Department.

The Exchange Club is an organization for the prevention of child abuse and to promote Americanism, youth activities and scholarships. They meet the first and third Thursdays of every month at noon at the 350 Grille. Interested persons may attend at a $15 luncheon cost (call 783-0195).