Airmen honored for heroic efforts

Published May 27, 2009
By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two Airmen were honored by the Altus Fraternal Order of Police during a ceremony at the City Park May 21 for saving a local police officer from certain death.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Treadwell, 97th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms non-commissioned officer in charge, and Special Agent Ross Bergstresser, from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 422 at Luke AFB, Ariz., administered life-saving measures after Jackson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kevin Walker, experienced a massive heart attack during a National Police Week Shootout competition here May 14.

"The efforts and professionalism (Sergeant Treadwell and Agent Bergstresser) displayed saved Deputy Walker's life," said Sheriff Roger Lavick, from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Little did Deputy Walker know, the events that would transpire May 14 would change his life forever.

"I went to the range, just signed up to be on a team and went over and did some loading to get my magazines ready to go," he said. "We were walking back over the break area and I don't really recall a whole lot after that. Next thing I know I was kind of like waking up in an ambulance."

Within moments of Deputy Walker hitting the floor, he was already surrounded by help.

"Luckily, we had brought all of our combat lifesaver equipment with us," said Sergeant Treadwell. "Without even thinking I just grabbed (the equipment) and ran over there."

With the necessary equipment on hand, Sergeant Treadwell and Agent Bergstresser were able to keep oxygen and blood flowing through Deputy Walker's body until emergency medical service arrived.

"There were several heroes that day - from the first 911 call to the hospital staff and surgery team, in making this a great teamwork effort success story," said Agent Bergstresser.

Sergeant Treadwell said he owes his efforts to the training he received in the Air Force.

"I'm just glad I was there, and honestly I thank God that I got trained the way I did and was able to help him because everything happens for a reason," said the sergeant.

"I've been through multiple CPR classes, combat lifesaver courses, medic classes and things of that nature but I wasn't even thinking of that. It was all muscle-memory - 100 percent of it," said Sergeant Treadwell, who completed the Army Combat Lifesaver course three weeks prior to the event.

Sergeant Treadwell and Agent Bergstresser received the Livesaver Award for their heroic actions.

"Plaques and trophies are nice, but my award is (Deputy Walker) walking around, being able to shake my hand and just being able to meet him and talk to him - that's my award," said Sergeant Treadwell.

Agent Bergstresser said he was surprised to see Deputy Walker back on his feet only a week after having surgery.

"It's just a miracle," he said.

Deputy Walker may be fuzzy on the details, but has special place in his heart for his heroes.

"I'm so happy to be here and to be able to congratulate these guys on what they've done," he said, filled with emotion. "To be here personally and to meet the people who saved my life - it's overwhelming."