COLUMBUS — An Ashland police officer was honored at the Ohio House of Representatives this week for saving the life of a 3-year-old girl four months ago.
Officer Soren Osicka was invited to the statehouse by Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), who presented a commendation from the Ohio House Representatives during a ceremony on the House floor.
“Today, as we remember Police Week, just being this last week, we have a very special young man that we want to honor today, Officer Soren Osicka, for his heroic actions and acting swiftly when there was an emergency,” Miller said.
Osicka, 23, became a police officer less than a year ago. After about five months on the job, he saved a 3-year-old girl’s life by administering CPR after she hit her head and stopped breathing.
Osicka responded to a 911 call along Cottage Street on Jan. 8, according to an Ashland police press release at the time.
“On arrival, a mother met Ashland Police officers on the sidewalk carrying a child who was unresponsive and not breathing after falling and hitting her head,” the release read.
Osicka began CPR without hesitation and “within seconds, the child began to breath independently but abruptly stopped breathing again.”
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The officer started CPR again until she began breathing again, the release reported. Osicka and other officers cared for the toddler until emergency medical service personnel arrived to take her to the hospital.
“The child has since recovered and returned home,” the release said.
“On behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives, myself, and our Speaker of the House, Mr. Jason Stephens, we would like to honor you with a commendation from the House of Representatives to recognize you and your heroic efforts,” Miller said.
Miller also acknowledged Ashland Police Chief David Lay (30+ years), Capt. Craig Kiley (24 years), and Lt. Aaron Klein (17 years) for their distinguished service in law enforcement to the Ashland community during the legislative session.
Including Osicka, Miller invited members of the Ashland Police Department to the Statehouse to tour the grounds and be honored during the House session to be recognized for police week and their service to their community.
Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
To view the commendation presentation, please watch here.
To view the point of personal privilege during House Session, please watch here.