First responders from Rice University and the city of Houston were recognized May 29 for their efforts in working together to save the life of a Rice graduate student who nearly drowned this spring.
Last semester, a swimmer was observed to be in distress at the university’s Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center. Lifeguards promptly began helping the swimmer and contacted Rice’s student-run Emergency Medical Services (REMS) and the Rice University Police Department (RUPD). They also ran for the Rec Center’s automated electronic defibrillator and began working with Rec Center front desk employees to identify the victim.
Within minutes of the Rec Center’s first call, REMS was on-scene rendering aid while officers from RUPD and an officer from West University Place Police coordinated the arrival of other first responders, including firefighters and EMS personnel from Houston Fire Department stations 16 and 33. Houston Fire Department Medic 8 transported the patient to the hospital.
“It is thanks to the swift, efficient and coordinated response of all of these first responders that we gather today not to mourn the loss of a Rice student, but rather to celebrate the continuing survival of a new Rice alumnus,” said Greg Marshall, director of university relations at Rice, who emceed the recognition event. “Less than a week later, that swimmer was awarded his graduate degree at the university’s 111th commencement.
“That new Rice alumnus is not here today — instead, thanks to many of the people in this room, he is now living in a new city, beginning his new career — but we did not want to miss this opportunity to honor those who made that possible.”
The student sent a video message thanking everyone who had a part in the rescue, which was shared with the first responders during the event.
“I just wanted to thank you all for helping me out at the pool in April,” the student said. “I’m doing well now, but honestly, I wouldn’t be here without all of you. I know my friends and family are super grateful as well.”
Awards were presented and handed out by Carrie Willard, assistant dean of Rice’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. She was joined later by Tina Villard, senior associate athletic director and overseer of the Gibbs Center, RUPD Chief Clemente Rodriguez and REMS Director Lisa Basgall to assist in giving out the awards.
“To be able to come together and work with people that you may not have met before but all have the same mission and goal — trying to save a person’s life or make an impact on somebody’s life — it’s what I love about emergency services,” Basgall said.
“If everybody doesn’t work together, it’s not going to work out at the end of the day. But I think we’re really lucky to live in a city like Houston where we have all these different resources.”
Awardees included Gibbs Center lifeguards Sudith Ashokan, Sean Weiss, Victor Esch and Gabriel McCabe McNidder as well as RUPD Sgt. Malik Roeback, Officer Jorden Davis and dispatcher Precious Lowe. REMS responders Eduardo Ruiz, Claire Shi, Elizabeth Pan, Giancarlo Valenzuela and Milan George were also recognized for their contributions.
Sgt. Patricio Acevedo, a former RUPD officer now with the West University Place Police Department, was honored for his quick action in working hand-in-hand with the other law enforcement agencies on the scene. First responders from Houston Fire Department stations 8, 16 and 33 were recognized for their rapid response to the emergency.
“Our job in law enforcement — one of the great things about it is you never know what the next call is going to bring, but it’s also one of the most challenging things about the job,” Rodriguez said. “These officers on that day demonstrated just amazing composure and determination. I’m very proud of them, and we’re just so grateful for all of you and your hard work.”
Rodriguez also handed out lifesaver pins as a reminder of the heroic actions of that day.
“The successful outcome of this rescue operation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, cooperation and swift action in emergency situations,” Marshall said in conclusion. “Today, we celebrate the efforts of these first responders, whose dedication and professionalism embody the very best of our university and our city. On behalf of Rice University and the entire community, thank you for your service and your unwavering commitment to those you protect and serve. You are true lifesavers in every sense of the word.”