BMPD officers recognized for saving a life

Sergeant Hensley and Officer Cruz honored by chief

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 20, 2023

Black Mountain Police Sergeant Monte Hensley, left, and Officer Alexander Cruz were recognized by the Town, Jan. 9, for their life saving actions while responding to an apparent overdose last fall. Photo by Fred McCormick

The unrelenting efforts of two Black Mountain Police officers who revived an unidentified subject last fall were recognized, Jan. 9, as the Town Council gathered for its regular monthly meeting. 

Sergeant Monte Hensley and Officer Alexander Cruz each received Life Saving Awards, presented by Chief Steve Parker, for actions that resulted in reviving an apparent overdose victim last fall. 

The pair was dispatched to an undisclosed location, where Hensley discovered an unresponsive subject upon his arrival. The sergeant immediately administered a dose of naloxone, which works to block the effects of opiates in a person experiencing an overdose. 

“The female remained unresponsive and appeared to have no life,” Parker said. 

Cruz, who began his law enforcement a year ago, immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

“He administered chest compressions for five minutes,” Parker said. “If anyone knows about CPR, five minutes feels like a lifetime.”

The subject began showing signs of life near the fourth minute of aid, according to the department, and refused medical treatment after slowly regaining consciousness. 

“This is not something they are trained to do all the time, even though they’ve learned how to do CPR,” the chief said. “It’s important, before EMS and fire get there, they have the skills to do this when necessary.”

The incident occurred days after a similar call in which the victim did not respond to aid, according to the department.

“This was something that was fresh in their minds, as they had another victim,” Parker continued. “It’s amazing how these officers jumped right into the action with no regard for themselves.”

As the chief prepared to present Hensley and Cruz with medals recognizing their actions, he added it was responsibility of the department, town council and citizens to show appreciation for their efforts.

“Congratulations guys, you did an amazing job,” Parker told the officers.