Lynnwood police officer honored for saving choking woman

Lynnwood Police Officer Christopher VanDomelen, second to right. (Photo courtesy Lynnwood Police Department)
The Chief’s Coin awarded to Officer VanDomelen.

Lynnwood Police Officer Christopher VanDomelen was recognized Tuesday for saving the life of a 78-year old woman in January.

Lynnwood Police Department and South County Fire were dispatched midday Jan. 2 when it was reported that an elderly woman was choking, conscious and had stopped breathing at Chick Fil-A. Others at the restaurant attempted perform the Heimlich maneuver, but were unsuccessful.

VanDomelen arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial call and took over. The reporting party told dispatchers the patient was unconscious at that point.

VanDomelen successfully used the Heimlich and cleared the obstruction. When fire crews arrived a minute later, the patient was conscious, alert and did not require transport to the hospital.

South County Fire awarded VanDomelen a Chief’s Coin in recognition of his efforts.

  1. WOW! Officer VanDomelen is a real hero! Thank you, Chris for your quick action. Because of you, the woman you saved will awaken to another lovely spring day, visit with friends and family, and carry on with her life. Because of you.

    I truly believe any man or woman in law enforcement is a community hero. I worked with the officers in Lynnwood for twenty years when I was the Crime Prevention Officer for the Lynnwood Police Department and have the deepest respect for police.

    Citizens who are interested in knowing what goes on in their law enforcement agency, should sign up to attend a free Police Community-Citizens Academy. Both Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Mukilteo offer these excellent programs. If your city does not have this course, ask your Chief of Police to consider starting one. (I will give your chief a copy of the 300-page manual I wrote about offering this program for their community.

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