Fairmont State Chief of Police recognized for life-saving act

Fairmont State University’s Chief of Police Matt Swain was given the Heroism Award by the Marion County Rescue Squad at the Night of Recognition. 

Squad administrator Michael Angelucci said Chief Swain was given the award for his life-saving act in the spring. 

“There was a 911 call that came in and campus police were dispatched. He was the first on scene, was able to access the vehicle and pull the guy out to begin CPR,” he said. “If it wasn’t for Swain’s immediate reaction, the man would have died.”

“This is a law enforcement officer, he could’ve sat there and waited for paramedics. He got into the mode of a life saver and that’s pretty remarkable,” Angelucci said. “It’s just amazing what he did.” 

President Mirta Martin said the swift actions of Chief Swain were able to save that man’s life without missing a beat. 

“Though the Fairmont State University police officers do great things all the time, I’m especially grateful for Chief Swain’s decisive, caring actions. He had mere seconds to make a life-saving decision; his actions that day far exceeded the call of duty,” she said. “Matt perfectly exemplifies our quick-thinking, highly-trained, dedicated and caring police force.”

Marion County Rescue SquadChief Matt SwainPresident Dr. Mirta Martin