Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch presented the Life Saving Award to Knoxville Police Department Officer Joshua Dykes. Officer Dykes has been with the department since August 2005.
On November 11, 2015 at approximately 7:40 a.m., Mr. Lester Smith was eating breakfast at the Central Avenue Pike Cracker Barrel when his airway became blocked with food. Mr. Smith stood up from the table and tried to walk to the restroom, but he could not make it. He stopped and looked over to a nearby table when Officer Dykes observed Mr. Smith was in distress.
Officer Dykes realized Mr. Smith was choking and immediately administered six thrusts of the Heimlich Maneuver. The food was dislodged which allowed the victim to breath once again.
Chief Rausch said, “Officer Dykes’ remained calm, which allowed him to quickly ascertain the situation. It is clear Joshua’s expeditious response saved Mr. Smith’s life.”
“Congratulations on a job well done,” Chief Rausch concluded.