Auburn Police Officer Cox this week was awarded the Auburn Police Department’s Lifesaving Medal for his quick and decisive actions that saved a man’s life during an overdose emergency.

According to a letter from Auburn Police Chief Mark Caillier, Officer Cox was dispatched to the Ray of Hope Shelter on Jan. 15, 2025, at 8:57 a.m., where an adult male was found unconscious and not breathing, reportedly suffering from a drug overdose.

Officer Cox arrived before fire crews and found another individual attempting chest compressions on the unresponsive man, who had already been administered two doses of Narcan. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Cox calmly coached the rescuer and took over lifesaving efforts.

“You subsequently checked for a pulse and did not feel one,” Chief Caillier wrote in the letter. “You administered another Narcan to the patient and began chest compressions.”

At 9:01 a.m., Cox paused to check for a pulse again and felt a heartbeat. He then adjusted the patient’s airway, ensuring there were no obstructions.

When Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) arrived, Cox briefed them on the treatment provided. Fire personnel confirmed the patient had a pulse and took over further care. The man eventually regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital.

“King County Medics communicated that the patient would have died if the care had not been provided,” Chief Caillier stated.

In recognition of his professionalism, composure, and lifesaving efforts, Officer Cox was awarded the Auburn Police Department’s Lifesaving Medal on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

“Without your quick response, ability to remain calm, and training, it is unlikely the patient would have survived. You displayed great professionalism and competence during this incident.”

Below is text from the letter:

City of Auburn Police Department
Courage – Honor – Integrity – Professionalism
Auburn Police Department
Medal of Life-Saving Recognition
Officer Cox,
On January 15, 2025, at 0857 hours you were dispatched to a report of CPR in progress at Ray of Hope Shelter. It was reported an adult male was unconscious and not breathing. The subject was reportedly overdosing on an unknown drug and had already been given one dose of ‘Narcan’ or naloxone.
You responded in a priority manner and Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) was also dispatched to the incident. Upon reaching the patient (before VRFA) you observed him lying on his back unresponsive as another person was attempting to perform chest compressions. You learned the patient had been given two doses of Narcan. You calmly coached the male in his life-saving efforts, to prepare for officers to take over the efforts.
You subsequently checked for a pulse and did not feel one. You administered another Narcan to the patient and began chest compressions. At 0901 hours you paused to check for a pulse and communicated that you felt one. You tilted the patient’s head and opened his mouth, checking for obstructions, and returned to monitoring his pulse.
When VRFA arrived, you communicated what treatments had been provided, and VRFA confirmed that he had a pulse and began further treatment. Eventually, the patient became conscious. King County Medics communicated that the patient would have died if the care had not been provided. The patient was transported to the hospital for further care.
Without your quick response, ability to remain calm, and training, it is unlikely the patient would have survived. You displayed great professionalism and competence during this incident. Therefore, you are being awarded the Auburn Police Department Lifesaving Medal.
Dated this 19th day of February 2025
Mark Caillier, Chief of Police