Blue Notes: Excellence in Every Encounter

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All too often articles written regarding police are negative in nature, but that is not the case today. It is my pleasure to share a ‘feel-good’ story with you about the actions of some of our finest. Dale Rathe (father of Candi), wrote me to commend the actions taken by Officer’s Markve and Andahl on December 18. He stated it best, as he wrote; 

“Shortly after 5AM today, my 41 yr. old daughter Candi…, was asleep w/ her spouse. He noticed that in a matter of a minute, her sleeping sounds had stopped. She was unresponsive and pulseless. He started CPR and called 911. The Police officer who arrived… used his AEWD and successfully restarted her heart. BFD Medic Unit arrived and did an outstanding job of taking it from there. She was Code 3 to Nebraska Medical Center in Bellevue. When I arrived at the hospital, the Medic Unit, the responding Officer, and the Fire Truck were all at the hospital. I get the Medic Unit being there…But how cool is it that the responding Officer and the 4 firefighters came there to see how she was doing after arriving at the hospital. But here is the thing…The Officer came and talked to me and gave me updates. He stayed in support even though it was past his time to get off work.

Candi is a wife and mother of 2. She has never smoked, drank alcohol or taken drugs. By all counts, a healthy woman.

They’re still trying to figure out was caused this; but one thing is certain…there is no doubt that without the officer using his AED; my daughter would have not survived.

To the Medics…Fire Fighters…All part of the job huh/ Nah… you guys not only did an awesome job…but your genuine display of caring is extraordinary. And so never forget that this is not just another day on the job…It effects lives far more than you’ll know. My Heart soars…and my daughter’s heart beats…Because of YOU !!!“

As I wrote in an email to our officers the next day, regarding the actions of Officer’s Markve and Andahl, “these are outstanding efforts and show the compassion and caring that we would expect our officers to extend to a family during such a crisis.” 

This highlights a theme that we will continue to reiterate throughout the coming year – “excellence in every encounter”. That is what we should always strive for at the Bellevue Police Department. Whether it is during an arrest, covering a crash, or a helpful citizen encounter, we will always give our best effort and ensure that we treat everyone the way we would want our parents or children to be treated. 

Chief Ken Clary