Clarksville Police Officer Sgt. Johnny Ferguson presented with Lifesaving Award

Clarksville, TN – In a room filled with family, friends, coworkers and public officials, Sgt Johnny Ferguson, Clarksville Police Department, was presented with a Lifesaver Award for his quick and decisive actions which saved a 51 year old man’s life.

On September 10th, 2012, Sergeant Ferguson responded to 422 Parker Drive where Tommy Bowles had collapsed and was not breathing. When he arrived he found the man was lying in the doorway, with no pulse, and he had turned blue.

Sergeant Ferguson was able to force the door open and move the individual several feet inside of the residence. He checked the man’s airway for obstructions and began chest compressions which caused the individual to aspirate. When Sergeant Ferguson stopped the chest compressions, at which time, the man stopped moving and still had no pulse.  So he resumed chest compressions which caused the individual to aspirate a second time. By that time Montgomery County EMS and Clarksville Fire Rescue units had arrived on scene.

The medics were able to detect a fatal heart rhythm and administered an electric shock using a defibrillator to restore it back to a perfusing rhythm.  Tommy Bowles continued to stabilize on the way to the hospital.

Lt. Dustin A. Haas of EMS and Lt. Jesse Snyder with CFR noted that Sgt. Ferguson’s initial response helped stabilize the individual until more advanced equipment was available.  Lt. Snyder went as far to say “a man is alive because of this” referring to Sergeant Ferguson’s prompt lifesaving actions.

Tommy and Mary Bowles were both present at the ceremony.

Photo Gallery

Photos taken by CPD Public Affairs Officer Jim Knoll