University police officers recognized for life-saving actions

Breakfast Optimist Club recognizes community’s outstanding police officers

For the first time in its 20-year history, the W. Kevin Artz Outstanding Police Officer Award has been presented to officers with the Indiana State University Department of Public Safety.

The Terre Haute Breakfast Optimist Club Thursday (May 8) presented the award to Cpl. Ian Loomis and Officer David Glick in recognition of their quick actions that helped save the life of an Indiana State professor who suffered a heart attack.

The award is named for Vigo County deputy sheriff Kevin Artz, who was killed in the line of duty in July 1987 while responding to a domestic disturbance.

“This year, five very deserving officers were nominated from local enforcement agencies and it was an extremely challenging task to select the 2008 recipients. However, the swift and heroic actions of Cpl. Loomis and Officer Glick stood out and ultimately earned them the co-titles ‘2008 Kevin Artz Distinguished Law Officers of the Year’,” Rich Dunkin, Optimist Club president, said.

When Ted Piechocinski, professor of music business, had a heart attack in his office Jan. 14, Loomis and Glick responded to the 911 call. They performed CPR and used a portable automated external defibrillator, which are carried in each of the public safety department’s four patrol cars.

Paramedics with the Terre Haute Fire Department rushed Piechocinski to Union Hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair a blocked artery. His recovery has been described as “a miracle” by Dr. Shantilal Patel, a cardiologist who treated the professor at Union Hospital, and Billi McNeal, a registered nurse in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

That Piechocinski did not sustain brain damage is a credit to the quick response by his wife, Janet • also an ISU music professor, who called 911 • and the Public Safety officers, Patel said.

Presented annually since 1988, the W. Kevin Artz Award has previously gone to officers with the Terre Haute Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police.

The award holds special significance for Glick. A 31-year veteran of the university’s public safety department, he was a law enforcement colleague with Artz. The deputy’s widow, Linda, once served as assistant director of public safety for campus parking and traffic services.

“I am greatly honored. I knew them both personally and we even socialized a little. I am nearing the end of my police career. Getting this award is really special,” Glick said, adding that he and Loomis “were just flabbergasted” to learn they would receive the prestigious award.

“It’s a great honor,” Loomis said. “I’ve known Kevin Artz’s daughter for about six years, so I know a little of the history behind the award. I couldn’t be happier, although acts like this occur on a daily basis, performed by firefighters and law enforcement officers, and they don’t always get the recognition they deserve.”

The significance of the actions the officers took that January morning “didn’t really hit me until I got home,” Glick said. “When it was over, we didn’t high five one another or gloat. We just went about our business like it was an everyday thing,” he said.

"It is extremely gratifying to see our officers recognized for their outstanding work. Unfortunately many people are not aware that our campus police receive the same training and have the same responsibilities of other area law enforcement agencies,” Bill Mercier, ISU’s director of public safety, said. “Receiving awards such as this truly demonstrates the high level of professionalism our officers have attained. I want to sincerely thank the Optimists for considering our officers in making this award."

Contact: Rich Dunkin, president, Terre Haute Breakfast Optimist Club, rich.dunkin@hcins.net; Bill Mercier, public safety director, Indiana State University, 812-237-7829 or wmercier@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu

Photo:http://ISUphoto.smugmug.com/photos/291897728_eWvxB-D.jpg

Cutline:Cpl. Ian Loomis and Officer David Glick receive the W. Kevin Artz Outstanding Police Officer Award from the Terre Haute Breakfast Optimist Club Thursday (May 8)in recognition of their quick actions that helped save the life of an Indiana State professor who suffered a heart attack. ISU Photo/Tony Campbell