Saluting our dedicated officers on the ground!
By: Kamal Hakim
Being a police officer makes me feel as though I’m always in uniform. Like I’m naturally in a state of mind where I’m constantly being vigilant. I think it’s a good thing.
That day on 27 Feb 2021, my two friends and I were at the hotel swimming pool celebrating one of our birthdays. We were chilling at the poolside when I noticed a few kids were playing at the other end of the pool with the adults. I have a young nephew at home, so I tend to be more aware when kids are involved.
I then noticed at the corner of my eye something pink at the bottom of the pool. Curious, I waded closer and it only dawned on me when I saw a little girl’s motionless arms and legs. Just then, I heard one of the adults asking where the girl went.
Without second thoughts, I quickly dived into the pool to reach out to the girl, and one of the adults helped pull her out of the water and carry her to the bench. As the family members dialled for an ambulance, I quickly attempted to do CPR on her. I remembered myself shaking when doing the compressions but I quickly composed myself as I had to stay absolutely focused on the task. To my relief, she eventually expelled out the water from her mouth and started breathing. The CPR compressions only lasted a minute but that moment felt like a whole millennia to me and her family members.
The ambulance arrived shortly to bring the girl to the hospital along with her parents. The Police arrived too to check on the facts. After everyone left, I decided to stay and sit on the bench near the swimming pool alone. I found myself thinking what could have happened if the girl didn’t make it or if she’ll be okay. It was a mixture of relief and concern.
When this incident was published on social media, the mother reached out to me. She expressed her thanks and said her girl wanted to give me a token as of gratitude. I appreciated the gesture but turned down her kind offer as I was just happy to hear that her daughter was safe and sound. That’s all I really needed.
I’m thankful for doing the things I get to do on a daily basis as a police officer, to be able to make a difference in someone’s life with my little contributions. Honestly, I think anyone would have done what I did. All it takes is some courage – something I believe everyone has in them.
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