New BPD hire receives life-saving service award

Blaine Police Department (BPD) has honored officer Katelyn Weaver with a Life-Saving Service Award for helping save a man’s life. This is the first time a BPD officer has been formally recognized in this manner, BPD sergeant Tim Richardson wrote in an email.

A date for the ceremony has yet to be announced as the original date, August 4, was postponed due to an unexpected BPD event.

Weaver, 27, who joined BPD in June, received the award for pulling an unconscious man from a crashed vehicle and performing CPR on him until aid crews arrived on the scene.

Around 10 p.m. July 19, Weaver observed a pickup truck driving 38 mph in a 25 mph zone southbound on Peace Portal Drive, according to a July 30 BPD media release. Weaver pulled the vehicle over. While pulling over, the truck pulled far enough to the side of the road that it was in danger of rolling over into the ditch, Weaver observed.

Weaver contacted the 30-year-old driver, who had slightly slurred speech and fumbled to find his driver’s license, according to the release. Seconds later, the driver went limp and pushed down the accelerator, lurching the truck forward and crashing into the ditch. Weaver quickly reached into the truck to turn it off and unlock the driver’s door.

The driver was shaking and aspirating into the passenger seat, according to the release. Weaver pulled the man from the truck and safely to the ground. She then began CPR as the man was not breathing and had no pulse. She continued until North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) arrived to relieve her. BPD spokesperson Tami Bhachu said in an email to The Northern Light NWFR arrived on the scene within 10 minutes.

The driver was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, according to the release, where it was said he was recovering. Bhachu said it is believed the driver was intoxicated but no charges are expected at this time, as it is currently a medical issue.

These types of recognition were not a priority under previous administrations, Richardson said, and thus no records have been kept of other officers receiving similar awards.

“There are plenty of stories of members going above and beyond in the line of duty, but most are lost to history,” he said. “Moving forward, we can and will decorate and acknowledge the bravery of our officers. These heroic acts are the best examples of public service we can provide.”