(February 22, 2022) - Cape Coral Police officers from Platoon 3’s North District received Lifesaving Awards from Chief Sizemore for their heroic actions.
On February 20th, 2021 at around 7:15 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of NE 8th Place in reference to a disturbance with weapons. Officers were familiar with the location due to a woman suffering from mental health issues the previous week. While enroute to the call, dispatch advised that the woman had discharged a firearm and left on foot with the weapon. Sergeant Taylor was able to make phone contact with her and confirmed she had left with the gun and was threatening suicide. A perimeter was set up to contain the female within the area while Sergeant Taylor attempted to convince her to return and other officers searched for her.
Lee County Aviation responded and located the woman on a canal bank near NE 10th Place and NE 23rd Street. The perimeter was shifted to more closely contain the scene as efforts to have her walk out to officers continued. Unfortunately these efforts were unsuccessful as the woman disconnected on the call, after which officers immediately heard a gunshot. Officer Almendariz rushed to the sound of the shot and found the woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers Dowdle, Chesnut, Fugiel, Deberardinis, and Sergeant Taylor arrived and all immediately began lifesaving measures.
Due to their training, the officers recognized the need for a chest seal and applied one from their medic bags. When the medical tape failed to close the wound, Officer Dowdle retrieved duct tape from his vehicle which was able to seal the sucking chest wound. Sergeant Taylor applied constant pressure to the wound while the others carried the woman up the canal bank. They continued lifesaving measures, then carried her quickly to the ambulance when it arrived. The woman ultimately survived her injury.
Chief Tony Sizemore presented these officers with the department’s Lifesaving Award for their brave actions, along with Deputy Chief Darren McKenna and Deputy Chief Mike Catania.
L to R: Ofc. Chesnut, Ofc. Fugiel, Officer Almendariz, Chief Sizemore, Sgt. Taylor
The group joined by Deputy Chief Mike Catania (far left) and Deputy Chief Darren McKenna (far right).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341