KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 3, 2017

Police officers honored for quick response, life-saving efforts

Kennesaw State police officers who responded to a plane crash near campus and one who saved a person’s life from a drug overdose were honored Wednesday at the Department of Public Safety and University Police quarterly awards ceremony.

Sgt. Todd Jackson received the highest award among the officers who responded to the airplane crash in March, the Medal of Valor.

Officer Rusty Midkiff was presented the Lifesaving Award for using a naloxone kit to revive a man who overdosed last month, the second instance of Midkiff’s rendering such aid in his career.

Also recognized for their actions in response to the plane crash were:

• Meritorious Conduct Award: Police Capt. Tim Murphy

• Meritorious Conduct Award: Police Cpl. Jason Johns

• Meritorious Conduct Award: KSU Emergency Management Director Andy Altizer

• Letter of Commendation: Fire Safety Manager Matthew Shannon

• Letter of Commendation: Fire and Life Safety Inspector Tyler Fitts

Along with the individual awards, Interim Police Chief Edward Stephens announced that Kennesaw State has been named the 2017 Clery Compliance Program of the Year by the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals. The Clery Act is a federal law requiring colleges to report crime statistics and school safety policies.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.