On Tuesday, Temple University's Department of Public Safety held an awards ceremony at the Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia to honor the police force for their brave actions and dedication. Officers were recognized for their quick and decisive actions that saved lives in the local community.
FOX 29 reported that Sergeant Lauren Boone, along with Officers Andrew Lanetti and Manuel Williams, were honored for saving a man who had been pinned under a 700-pound air conditioner. Boone applied a tourniquet and kept the man focused on his family and life during the ordeal. This marked her first use of a tourniquet in her 18-year career.
Lieutenant Kamari Boone, Sergeant Boone’s husband, was also recognized for preventing a potential tragedy involving a student in mental distress. "Every so often, we get a chance to take that time to ourselves to reflect on the things we've dealt with in our day-to-day operations, and us as a team, we make each other stronger," Lt. Boone told 6abc.
Other honorees included Temple Officer Andrew Venini, named Officer of the Year. "It's a great honor. I'm proud. My family's here, they're proud of me. It's something I've been working for for many years," Venini said at the ceremony, as reported by 6abc.
Temple University Vice President of Public Safety, Dr. Jennifer Griffin, highlighted the importance of public recognition for the officers' work. "They don't come to work for the award. I think it sends the message to them that we care about them that we appreciate the work that they do every day," Griffin told 6abc. Recognition was also given to a dispatcher and a security officer for their vital roles in maintaining public safety.
Dispatcher Amber Michael shared her perspective on community service, saying, "I don't think about being recognized, I just like what I do," as reported by CBS Philadelphia.
