April 23, 2024
CLEVELAND, Ga. - Cleveland Police say Tomika Johnson's quick response last Saturday helped save the life of Sgt. Ryan O'Connor.
O'Connor and his partner Brooklyn Barnes were participating in a "back to school" festival. While O'Connor was playing football with local kids, he told Barnes he had been stung by two bees and was "deathly allergic" to them.
Police say that O'Connor fell to the ground and lost consciousness "within minutes." Barnes and another officer carried O'Connor to a police car and began to render first aid. Meanwhile, Jonhson reacted immediately and ran to her home to get her son's Epi-Pen. She offered the Epi-Pen to Barnes, who administered it to O'Connor.
O'Connor was transported to St. Vincent Hospital, where doctors said that the Epi-Pen provided by Johnson along with everyone's quick response saved his life.
A Cleveland Police statement on Facebook, said Johnson's "quick thinking, fast response and concern for this officer's well-being demonstrated a high regard for human life."
On Wednesday, O'Connor and Barnes were able to thank Johnson in person. Prior to the meeting, the officers learned that this week is her son's 10th birthday, and they brought gifts and cards.
Responding to the Facebook post, Johnson wrote, "No thanks needed," saying she was just glad to be able to help.
Johnson will also be honored by the city of Cleveland at a ceremony in October and receive the city's "Citizen Award" for showing "sincerity above and beyond."
