Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen awarded the department's Lifesaving Award to Officer Rhett Carter and Sr. Evidence Technician Tim Kesterson. Officer Carter has been with the department since October 2001. Evidence Technician Kesterson joined the department in August 2001.

Chief Owen said that on July 9 at approximately 2:11 a.m. Officer Carter and Evidence Tech Kesterson had responded to a North Knoxville residence to investigate an attempted rape. While they were processing the crime scene they heard a loud crash and turned to see that the victim had passed out. The victim was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Officer Carter immediately called for an ambulance while Technician Kesterson prepared to start CPR. Officer Carter and Technician Kesterson performed two-man CPR until the ambulance arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital where she gained consciousness.

Chief Owen said, "Because of the quick thinking and action of these two employees the victim was given the proper medical treatment until she could be transported to the hospital."

"We commend Officer Carter and Technician Kesterson for their dedication to their job and to the citizens we serve everyday," said Mayor Haslam.

Both employees will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from the Bayou Bay Seafood House.

Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.