Officer to receive honor for saving life

NEW PALTZ — Jenelle Kelsey, a University Police Officer at the State University of New York at New Paltz, saved a life on the college campus last May 14. For that accomplishment, Officer Kelsey will be honored by the Police Chief’s Association of Ulster County at its annual awards banquet beginning at 7:30 p.m. on May 9 at the Hillside Manor in Kingston, NY.

Janelle Kelsey

On May 14, 2007, Officer Kelsey responded to a medical call at the Food Court in the Student Union Building on the SUNY New Paltz campus. The call came in that a female had fallen. Not knowing the seriousness of the medical condition, Offer Kelsey responded in a quick and professional manner.

When arriving on the scene, Officer Kelsey found the individual unconscious, not breathing and without a pulse. Without hesitation, Officer Kelsey activated the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which resulted in the recovery of the individual’s vital signs.

“When mobile life arrived, the individual was conscious and breathing,” said University Police Chief Raymond Bryant. “Without a doubt, Officer Kelsey’s actions resulted in the saving of this person’s life. The saving of a life is the ultimate achievement in our profession and I couldn’t be more honored to serve on the same department as our Officer Kelsey.”

The mission of the University Police Department is to maintain and promote an atmosphere that is conducive to the educational mission of the State University of New York at New Paltz. The first priority is to protect life, by insuring the safety and security of those who live, study and work within the college’s physical space. Of equal importance is the commitment to the protection of property, both public and private.

David Rooney, vice president for Student Affairs, said that “the actions of the University Police Department make us proud every day, but Officer Kelsey’s effort in saving this individual’s life exemplifies our officers’ commitment to the safety and security of our students and the entire campus community. This exemplary service is a hallmark, which should offer a level of comfort to our students and their parents.”

The University Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need to get in touch with the department, call (845) 257-2222. For emergency calls, dial 911 from any campus phone.

For more information about the University Police Department, visit www.newpaltz.edu/police.