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Chris LaLonde, swimming instructor at Warsaw Community High School (WCHS), has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
LaLonde received this national recognition for her response during a medical emergency in the pool on Nov. 19. When a student experienced a life-threatening situation in the water, LaLonde acted immediately. She pulled the student from the pool, initiated first aid, directed others to call 911 and managed the scene with the student’s safety as her top priority, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
The American Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards Program honors individuals who use lifesaving skills to save or sustain a life. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is awarded to individuals whose quick thinking and decisive actions make a critical difference during an emergency, stated the release.
“There are moments when training and instinct come together in truly heroic ways,” said Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent. “Mrs. Chris LaLonde demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism by saving a student during a medical emergency in our pool. The American Red Cross Lifesaving Award recognizes this extraordinary action. We are incredibly proud and deeply grateful for her response, as her actions prevented what could have been a tragic outcome for our community.”
“Chris demonstrated exactly what it means to put students first,” said Timothy Devlin, assistant principal at WCHS. “Her calm, immediate response in a high-pressure situation made all the difference. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the care she shows our students every day.”
WCS recognized LaLonde earlier this year for her life-saving actions, but LaLonde was surprised with the national award presentation during a WCHS staff meeting last week, stated the release.
