An officer who jumped in to help an accident victim was honored Wednesday with a Life Saving Award by Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette and the Springfield Police Department. Officer Jake Atwood was off duty when he witnessed a bicyclist being struck by a truck at Veteran’s Pkwy. and Lindbergh Blvd. on July 24th.

The cyclist sustained a significant head injury after hitting the truck’s windshield. Atwood took immediate action, grabbed his emergency medical kit and raced to provide care. Atwood applied dressing and pressure to control profuse bleeding from the victim’s head until EMS arrived. Chief Ken Scarlette says Atwood’s prompt response and dedication are a true testament to his character.