Two RTD police officers awarded new lifesaving medals for their quick action on the job

Two RTD police officers are being honored for saving a life.

K9 Officer Corey Averill and Officer Ryan Schott each received the RTD Transit Police Division’s new Lifesaving Medal, thanks to their quick actions. This medal is awarded to anyone directly responsible for the saving of a human life.

The Lifesaving Medal was created as part of RTD Chief of Police Bob Grado’s vision of a professional, community-oriented police division that serves the RTD community, patrons and employees.

“I felt it was important to recognize officers that are portraying that vision,” said Chief Grado.

Back in April, the two officers were conducting a station check at the Federal·Decatur Station. They were alerted of a man who had been stabbed several times. Officer Schott immediately got his Stop the Bleed kit from his patrol vehicle and handed the kit to Officer Averill who remained in contact with the victim. Officer Averill applied rolled gauze to slow the bleeding of one of the victim’s stab wounds.

“Every day I go to work, I am happy to serve our RTD community and on that night I am just happy that I was able to help a patron who uses our services,” said Officer Averill. “I also think that the constant training that we receive helped me to stay calm. I just remembered my training and did everything I could do until medics arrived.”

While rendering aid, the officers were able to obtain a description of the suspect and direction of travel. The suspect information was relayed to RTD Police Dispatch, as well as to Denver Police units arriving into the area. Officers also requested emergency medical response. Within a few minutes, medical arrived and transported the victim to Denver General Hospital, where he was in stable condition.

“This award represents serving our community,” said Officer Schott. “At the end of the day it’s about contributing to our community, making everyone feel safe and that everyone, including my fellow officers, goes home to their families.”

Chief Grado, K9 Officer Averill and Officer Scott