For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott J. Croteau (508) 368-7228
FITCHBURG – Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. today recognized the life-saving actions of a Fitchburg Police Officer who’s quick-thinking saved a young girl from choking on food.
Officer Steven Hachey was presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit – TEAM Award – for his efforts and actions on March 2, 2022.
“Officer Hachey instinctively knew this young girl was in distress and reacted without hesitation,” Mr. Early said. “This student was just enjoying her lunch at school, like any other day, and because of this officer a possible tragedy was avoided.”
Officer Hachey was working his usual assignment as the School Resource Officer at the Longsjo Middle School and was in the cafeteria around noontime.
An 11-year-old girl, who was wearing a face covering, went up to the officer. He could see on her face, even with the covering, that she needed help.
Officer Hachey asked the girl if she was choking. The girl pointed to her throat and nodded, yes.
The officer’s training kicked in and he quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver on the girl and was able to dislodge a piece of breadstick from her airway.
“It was an honor to recognize the exceptional work that Officer Hachey did, not only that day but every day, just like all of our resource officers,” Fitchburg Police Chief Ernest Martineau said. “I feel there is no greater community engagement than what happens each and every day between our School Resource Officers and the student body. I am grateful that we are able to provide a robust school resource officer program here in the city of Fitchburg.”
The TEAM Award was created by Mr. Early in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601 to nominate someone for this award.
