DHS School Resource Officer Cauthen recognized for saving the lives of two students
DARLINGTON, S.C. – The Darlington Police Department (DPD) recently honored one of its own, Sgt. Keith Cauthen, after his actions were credited with saving the lives of two Darlington High School (DHS) students on separate occasions. The DPD recognized Cauthen with the “Life Saving Award” during a meeting of the Darlington City Council.
DHS Principal Cortney Gehrke described the two harrowing events in a message to Kim Nelson, coordinator of safety and emergency management for the Darlington County School District.
Earlier in the semester, a student fell to the sidewalk during a class change. It became evident that the student was choking and losing consciousness. Cauthen immediately began to administer life-saving aid while also calling for an ambulance, which ultimately saved the student’s life.
Just a couple of weeks later, another student collapsed in a school office. Cauthen again arrived within moments to find the student unconscious and not breathing. Cauthen administered aid and was able to get the student breathing again, Gehrke said.
“As a school family, Officer Cauthen is essential in helping us feel safe and reach our students. Some days he literally saves lives in front of our faces, and some days he saves lives with the mentorship he provides to these young men and women,” Gerhke said. “He goes above and beyond the duties of an SRO each day, without complaint and with a smile. He is appreciated by us more than he can imagine.”