Officer Koorstad of the Auburn Police Department was awarded the Life-Saving Medal on May 23, 2024, for his quick and decisive actions during a critical incident in March.

On March 2, 2024, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Officer Koorstad responded to a juvenile distress call in the 12900 block of SE 312th SE in Auburn. Upon arrival, he found a family in distress, with two adult women in the kitchen attempting to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a 10-year-old girl who was choking.

Officer Koorstad immediately assessed the situation, asking the child if she was choking and instructing her to nod if she needed help. He then performed eight abdominal thrusts, successfully dislodging the obstruction. The child’s mother mentioned that the girl had been eating an orange when she began choking. A family member remarked, “You came at the right time.”

After ensuring the child could breathe and was no longer in distress, Officer Koorstad requested the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) to evaluate her. The VRFA Battalion Chief later confirmed that without Officer Koorstad’s prompt intervention, the child could have lost consciousness and required more invasive medical treatment, including CPR.

Chief of Police Mark Callier commended Officer Koorstad for his professionalism and competence during the incident, stating that his actions likely prevented serious injury or death.

“Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your dedication to keeping Auburn safe,” said Chief Callier in his statement.

The Auburn Police Department proudly awarded Officer Koorstad the Life-Saving Medal, recognizing his heroic efforts to save a young life.