June 21--A Tumwater police officer has been honored for saving a 6-month-old baby.
Chief John Stines awarded officer Bryent Finch with the Tumwater Police Department Life Saving Award during Tuesday night's council meeting.
Finch has been with the department the past two and a half years after serving with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
"He's a hoot to work with and the people that he works with really hold him in a high regard," Stines said.
Finch responded to a call on Feb. 26 involving a 6-month-old boy who was assaulted by his caregiver. The boy was not breathing and was unresponsive but warm to the touch, so Finch began resuscitation efforts.
"The baby was struggling for life," Finch said. "He would take a couple breaths on his own, but then stop again."
Finch continued CPR until paramedics arrived and were able to provide advanced care. The baby survived.
The council gave Finch a standing ovation during the meeting.
Copyright 2012 - The Olympian, Olympia, Wash.
