A Cornelia police officer has been honored by the American Police Hall of Fame after saving a man’s life at the local Walmart in November.
Officer Jeff Haslup was awarded the Life Saving Medal during a ceremony Tuesday at the Cornelia City Commission meeting.
Officials say Haslup was at Walmart in Cornelia the day after Thanksgiving when he noticed a shopper in distress. He could tell the man was having a heart attack so he quickly took charge of the scene and administered CPR until first responders and paramedics arrived.
Haslup learned CPR during his Cornelia PD training. Medical professionals documented that he did, in fact, save the man’s life and because of that Haslup was nominated for the Police Hall of Fame commendation. The Hall of Fame Awards Committee unanimously approved the honor, recognizing Haslup for his “courageous actions during an emergency situation.”
Seven other public safety officials were recognized along with Haslup for their contributions in saving the unidentified man’s life. The group includes four of Haslup’s fellow police officers and two Cornelia firemen. Sgt. Joe Pontes, FF Bryan Nix, FF Jared Nix, Officer Joel Matling, Lt. Kevin Marsteller, Sgt. Wayne Green and Maj. Jonathan Roberts received commendations from the City of Cornelia for their efforts.
Haslup’s wife, Janice, posted this message on her Facebook page the night he was honored and shared it with Now Habersham:
I am bursting with pride tonight!…I have always been so proud of him but tonight was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! BOOOOOYAH!!!!!
Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith says, “”I am extremely proud of Jeff and the other officers involved in this emergency. Jeff was able to recognize the emergency and use his training to respond. Jeff saved his life.”
