05/19/2026
Local officers honored with Clinical Save Awards
The Coffey County Emergency Medical Services honored two Burlington police officers with Clinical Save Awards during the agency’s annual EMS picnic held at noon today.
Sgt. Randy Stuart and Officer Dustin Shepard received the awards in recognition of separate life-saving incidents in which their actions helped save the lives of community members.
According to EMS officials, Sgt. Stuart was recognized for saving the life of a community member on Oct. 23, 2025, while Officer Shepard was honored for saving the life of a community member on April 9, 2026.
The awards were presented by Jesse Presley, director of EMS, on behalf of Coffey County Emergency Medical Services.
A Clinical Save Award is an emergency medical services and healthcare honor presented to first responders, dispatchers or citizens for life-saving interventions. The recognition is typically awarded when immediate medical care restores a patient’s vital signs and allows the person to survive without permanent neurological deficits.
Recipients are recognized for providing immediate and effective care, demonstrating exceptional clinical judgment and contributing to successful patient outcomes.
Chief Mike Roney congratulated both officers on the recognition.
“We are extremely proud of Sgt. Stuart and Officer Shepard for their quick actions and professionalism during these emergencies,” Roney said. “Their commitment to serving and protecting our community extends far beyond traditional law enforcement duties. These awards reflect the dedication all of our officers have to helping others in critical situations.”
Roney added that all officers with the department respond to medical calls while on duty, with the exception of calls at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, unless requested by EMS to assist.
