Thorndale honors hero police officers

Submitted by Cameron1 on

Thorndale police officers Michael M. Moehling and Kurt R. Kraemer were recognized for their efforts to save the life of a Thorndale resident Keith Fisher on Aug. 22 during the Sept. 14 Thorndale City Council meeting. Pictured from left are: Ariel Traub with Senator Charles Schwertner’s office; Kraemer; Fisher; Moehling; and Aaron Gibson with Rep. Marsha Farney’s office.

The Thorndale City Council honored two hometown heroes during its meeting Sept. 14.

Thorndale police officers Michael M. Moehling and Kurt R. Kraemer were recognized for their efforts to save the life of a Thorndale resident Keith Fisher on Aug. 22.

The City honored them with a proclamation and Life Saving medals. Proclamations were also given by Senator Charles Schwertner’s office and state Rep. Dr. Marsha Farney’s office.

On Wednesday evening, July 13, at approximately 10 p.m., Moehling and Kraemer were at a business at the intersection of U.S. Highway 79 and North First Street in Thorndale when a local resident was being driven to the hospital by his wife.  The resident was reportedly feeling ill, having chest pains and believing he could be having a heart attack.  

As he and his wife were traveling through Thorndale they noticed the police officers at the local business.  The wife turned into the parking lot and the husband contacted the officers.  The man explained his medical situation and requested they call an ambulance for him. As they were requesting the ambulance, the man’s heart stopped and went into cardiac arrest.  

The two officers quickly pulled the man from the car and began life-saving measures. They applied an Automated External Defibrillator and provided CPR. The officers revived him and were able to return his heart to a normal rhythm.  

Upon the arrival of the ambulance, the man was conscious and oriented. He was transported to the hospital and has since been released with a full recovery.

“The quick actions, training and skill of these officers made the difference between this man’s life and death,” Thorndale Chief of Police Martin L. Jackson said. “They are true professionals and exceptional officers.” 

Moehling has been a Thorndale police officer since 2013 with Kraemer joining the Thorndale Police Department in 2015.

Fisher donated a defibrillator to the police department in honor of the actions of Moehling and Kraemer that day.

In other business the council also: Discussed options for EMS/Fire Department daytime coverage; Heard a report on water projects from City Engineer Grant Lischka; Approved a new garbage rate schedule from Progressive Waste Solutions; Discussed and approved the subdivision of lots on West Front Street; Held a public hearing on the 2016-17 tax rate and budget.