Last week, CVMS Principal Lee Hankinson and Assistant Principal Seth Siegel hosted a celebration. They invited district administrators, Wawanda Security personnel and a grateful set of parents, Danielle and Christopher Brown, to recognize security guard Larry Dunn, whose quick thinking, calm demeanor and training helped saved the life of a student who was choking.

 

Eighth-grader Christian Brown was having lunch with his friends during seventh period on May 13, just after noon, when he started to choke. He tried to dislodge the food by coughing but that didn’t work. He got up from his table and Larry noticed him. Larry went over to Christian and asked if he was alright. Christian gave him the universal sign for choking, his hands up to his neck, and Larry calmly went into action.

 

He gave him the Heimlich Maneuver, dislodging the food. He patted Christian on the back and asked how he was. Fine now, but a little shaken, as to be expected. Larry walked Christian to the nurse and went back to his post in the cafeteria.

He said it was instinct. Larry is trained in life-saving techniques but this was the first time he had to put it into action.

“I just did what I am trained to do,” he said.

 

 

“As an educator, student safety is always our highest priority, but on this day, one of our own went above and beyond that responsibility,” said Ms. Hankinson. “Larry’s decisive actions, professionalism, and courage during a life-threatening emergency undoubtedly made a difference between tragedy and triumph. We are honored to recognize Larry Dunn with the CVMS Going the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Award for Heroism.”

 

Christian’s parents, Danielle and Christopher, expressed deep gratitude for Larry’s swift actions, as did Superintendent Joe Lenz and Wawanda’s supervisor Doug Stephens. Today was an occasion to honor his composure and expertise, which successfully averted a potentially chaotic and disastrous outcome.

 

Larry Dunn, who aspires to a career in law enforcement, took it all in stride. He was grateful for their thanks, but chalked it up to doing his job. He received a beautiful handmade card from Christian’s sister, Allison, which is proudly displayed on his refrigerator at home.

 

For Christian, it was a very scary experience and he too is grateful that Larry was there for him. He was happy to have this opportunity to publicly thank Larry for all he did. Now, this honor student is looking forward to his moving up ceremony, playing guitar, running cross country, and taking STEM classes at Pine Bush High School next school year.

 

 

A job well done, Larry Dunn! The CVMS community and our entire district are thankful for you.

The GEM plaque for Larry Dunn reads:

“For demonstrating exceptional heroism and truly going above and beyond the call of duty, we proudly present you with the Circleville Middle School Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award. Your decisive actions and successful administration of the Heimlich Maneuver during a life-threatening medical emergency exemplified the very best of CVMS. Your calm response, professionalism and selfless dedication made a profound difference and helped save the life of a student in need.”