Sergeant Reunites With Woman Who Saved His Life With EpiPen After He Was Stung by Bees

Sergeant Reunites With Woman Who Saved His Life With EpiPen After He Was Stung by Bees
(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)
9/10/2022
Updated:
9/10/2022

A civilian came to the rescue when an Ohio police officer collapsed at a community event after being stung by two bees. The pair have since reunited, and the woman will be recognized by the city of Cleveland for the quick thinking that saved the officer’s life.

On Aug. 20, Sgt. Ray O’Connor, of the Cleveland police department’s fourth district, and Officer Brooklyn Barnes were attending a Saturday afternoon “Back to School” festival at Friendly Inn.

(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)
(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)

O'Connor was playing football with the kids when he approached Barnes and told her that he got stung by two bees.

“He further stated that he was deathly allergic to them and that he forgot his EpiPen back at the 4th District,” the department posted on Facebook. “Within minutes, Sgt. O’Connor fell to the ground and became unconscious, which turned into a life-threatening emergency.”

Barnes and a third district officer dragged O'Connor to their cruiser to administer emergency aid. In the meantime, a civilian, Tomika Johnson, noticed the commotion and sprang into action.

“[She] ran home to grab her 10-year-old son, Zaire’s, EpiPen ... returning on scene within seconds,” the police said.

(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)
(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)

Johnson gave the EpiPen to Barnes, who administered the shot to her partner before transporting him to the nearest hospital.

O’Connor was still unconscious when he arrived at St.Vincent hospital. He was given immediate medical attention and later transferred to the ICU for observation.

Doctors said that the EpiPen and the quick response by everyone present at that time helped save his life.

(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)
(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)

The police department praised Johnson for her quick thinking, fast response, and concern for the officer’s well-being, and said she demonstrated a “high regard for human life.”

On Aug. 24, four days after O'Connor’s life-threatening experience, the sergeant was reunited with Johnson and her son at their home.

“Both officers learned that Zaire’s 10th birthday was Monday, and couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you than by bringing over birthday gifts and a $100 gift card,” the police said, adding that both Johnson and her son will be recognized at the City of Cleveland Fourth District Awards Ceremony on Oct. 6, where they will receive the city’s “Citizen Award” for their heroic actions.

(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)
(Courtesy of Cleveland Police Fourth District)

The police said: “The above story proves that with the help of the community, lives can be saved.”

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Louise Chambers is a writer, born and raised in London, England. She covers inspiring news and human interest stories.
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