The Melbourne Fire Department presented a Lifesaving Citizen Award to Derrick Hamilton, West Shore Junior/Senior High School, in recognition of his heroic action that saved a West Shore Junior/Senior High School student from choking.

On April 3, Mr. Hamilton immediately responded when he found out that a student was choking in the cafeteria. He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student, which dislodged the food from his windpipe.

His quick action and effective use of the Heimlich maneuver truly made a difference in saving the student’s life.