At Tuesday night's city council meeting, Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty honored those who guided the grandfather, Charles Turner, through the CPR, which included officers who provided relief and support during the ordeal.

“I've never seen anyone so calm,” Turner said after those who aided in the efforts received commendations from the police department. “They all did a good job and I really do appreciate it.”

Hasty said in presenting the commendations, the telecommunicators and others involved displayed “great teamwork” in reviving the child, who was 2-months-old at the time.

At the time of the December 1 call, and for reasons still not known, Hasty said the child was unconscious and not breathing.

In the commendations, Hasty wrote, “During this traumatic experience you showed empathy and caring for the subject, their family members and your fellow coworkers … the infant did regain consciousness, was breathing and crying and was transported to HRMC for further care.”

Heather Joyner, director of the county E-911 Center, told city council, “We're thankful for the outcome. This is why we do what we do.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said calls to the 911 Center “can be a sense of calm” in situations like this. “All you do a great job. Obviously, we're proud of the police department and thank you all for what you do.”

The commendations were given to telecommunicators Amber Smith; Nancy Green; Henry Hedgepeth; Heather Jordan; Rachel Moore; Brad Poythress and sergeants Mike Moseley and Richard White and Officer Ryan Cross of the police department.

Hasty and Williams.

In another matter involving law enforcement, Hasty announced the promotion of Master Officer Gorton Williams, an 11-year veteran of the police department, to investigator.

“He's got a wealth of knowledge,” Hasty said this evening.