IUPD officers receives award for heroism

Two IU Police Department officers were recognized by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association for helping save a Residential Programs and Services employee on Easter morning.

Officer Joe Amandola and Sgt. Shannon Ramey received a Certificate of Heroism and a commendation bar to wear on their uniforms.

“I’m very happy about the award,” Ramey said. “It kind of emphasizes how important it is to know CPR.”

Ramey received the award first in a supervisor’s meeting and then presented Amandola with his certificate.

“It was a great honor to get it,” Amandola said.

IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said the station is happy the association is recognizing these officers because the community doesn’t always realize the benefits of the machines.

“It is very gratifying,” he said. “It was very surprising because it wasn’t something we solicited for.”

Ramey has received an award similar to this before, but it was Amandola’s first major
award.

Neither officer has seen the victim since the accident, but Amandola said he would like to meet her someday.

Both officers said they wear their pins from the association with pride.

Ramey said the pin serves as a conversational pin because of its color. The pin is red on both ends and white in the middle with a symbol for cardiac arrest and says “hero.”

Minger, Amandola and Ramey all agree the other officers that assisted in the procedure should also be recognized for their efforts.

The other officers are not any less important, Minger said.

“It was definitely a group effort,” Amandola said.

IUPD is writing to the association to try to receive awards for officers David Winburn and Brian Oliger.

“They’re just as deserving as I am,” Ramey said. “They might get one in the future. I hope they do.”