MATTHEWS, N.C. — A Union County Sheriff's Deputy who has been a school resource officer at Weddington High School since 2015 is credited with saving a student who was having a medical emergency.
The student ran up to Deputy Chris Byrum in the cafeteria, holding and pointing at his throat. Byrum realized the student was choking and stepped in to help.
After Byrum administered adnominal thrusts like with the Heimlich maneuver, the student was able to clear his airway.
Deputy Byrum described the rescue as "divine timing" as he just completed his CPR recertification class.
“So at any given moment, I could be wearing multiple hats doing this job," Byrum said.
"The UCSO is extremely thankful that Deputy Byrum was in the right place at the right time to provide critical assistance to the student in need," UCSO said in a news release.
Byrum and other Union County Public Schools staff members monitored the student's condition, and he made a full recovery.
Deputy Byrum takes pride in his job at the high school and calls it his number one job, taking care of the students he serves.
“A lot of times these kids, especially since I've been here when they come back to visit, they want to see Deputy Byrum more so than their teacher sometimes. But that's the rewarding part. I absolutely love what I do," Byrum added.
"This life-saving incident is just another example of the importance and significance of the relationships built between our SROs and the students, staff, and parents they serve and protect each day," Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in a news release.
He now shares a special bond with a student they can both hold on to forever.
“We gave each other a hug," Byrum said.
Byrum previously was named UCPS School Resource Officer of the Year in 2022 and received the C.C. Mcgee School Resource Officer of the Year award for the state in 2022.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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