Off-Duty Officer Saves Fellow Customer

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recently honored 64 police and fire fighters with Valor Awards for their courage in protecting Fairfax citizens.

Fifteen were from the McLean District - the largest contingent of officers recognized for valor. This is the third consecutive year that the McLean District has achieved that distinction. Our thanks and congratulations to McLean District Commander Capt. Steve Thompson and his officers. 

McLean Patch is profiling each McLean District winner.

Police Officer First Class Terence Stokes Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department

While Officer Stokes and several other officers were off duty and at a restaurant, they saw a man fall off a bar stool and hit his head on a chair. They noticed the man was extremely pale and his breathing was shallow. The victim remained unresponsive as Stokes knelt beside him on the floor and checked for vital signs, which showed him not to be breathing. One of the officers had someone call 911, and Stokes began chest compressions and rescue breathing, without personal protective gear. The man began gasping for air and his pulse returned; however, he was still incoherent and fell in and out of consciousness. The man was transported to the hospital, and released in good condition.

Stokes responded immediately to a stranger in distress, and willingly rendered aid without protections against the transfer of potentially life-threatening diseases. His efforts helped the man, whose life was saved, to enjoy the holidays with his family and friends.