ALTUS – More than a month ago, Master Officer Matthew Worst and Officer Michael Laughlin were called upon to save the life of a choking infant on Aug. 1. The two members of the Altus Police Department were honored for their action at the Altus City Council Meeting Sept. 1.
Worst and Laughlin each received the Lifesaver Award from Altus Police Chief Tim Murphy and a standing ovation from the council and those in attendance.
“The City of Altus is proud of those who serve our city in law enforcement and as first responders, such as firefighters and emergency medical professionals,” the proclamation stated.
“The City of Altus recognizes these fine men and women for the courageous lifesaving work that they do. At this time, Master Officer Matthew Worst and Officer Michael Laughlin have earned our sincere appreciation.”
When the call came into the Jackson County EMS, Worst and Laughlin were dispatched to the 400 block of East Commerce Street.
“When Officers Worst and Laughlin arrived, they found an 18-month old child choking and unable to breathe,” according to a statement from the APD.
Laughlin knelt down, took the baby into his arms and delivered blows to the back trying to dislodge the object. After not getting a response, Worst then took over and repeated the same action on the choking child as well, according to the statement.
However, according to Worst, the child went limp in his hands from lack of air.
Worst performed one more back blow to the child, and a metal object hit the floor. The officers were able to dislodge what appeared to be a large metal nut. According to the APD, their quick actions saved the life of the child.
We’re “So proud of Officers Matthew Worst and Michael Laughlin for their heroic acts on the afternoon of Aug. 1,” Chief Murphy stated. “An 18-month-old child’s life was saved because of their quick response and their actions. I’m honored to be a part of a great group of men and women. Thank you to all the employees at the Altus Police Department for what you do for our community every day.”