During the January 14 City Council meeting, Officer April Gebke was honored with a lifesaving award. In early December, Officer Gebke responded to a one vehicle accident where the driver had suffered a major cardiac event. She quickly removed the driver from the vehicle and began chest compressions, and then hooked up the AED to administer several shocks to the driver. After medical personnel arrived, a pulse was re-established and the driver made a full recovery.

“We are very proud of Officer Gebke and the work she did to save a life in Merriam. Her quick response and action to start life-saving efforts were crucial to helping the driver survive what otherwise might have been a fatal event,” Chief Mike Daniels said.