ASHLAND — The American Legion post in Ashland on Monday honored a former police officer who saved a toddler in January.
The inaugural Police Officer of the Year award at the American Legion Post 88 went to Soren Osicka for his lifesaving efforts when a 3-year-old girl was found unresponsive by police following a 911 call.
Dave Abbruzzese, the legion’s post commander, said Osicka “demonstrated exceptional service” that night. He presented Osicka with a plaque, followed by a standing ovation from those in the crowd.
Abbruzzese also presented a $2,000 check to the police department.
Chief Dave Lay thanked the American Legion for the kindness and support.
“When you think about the stars that had to align, for him to work here for the short time he did and then be in the right place at the right time to save that little girl is truly amazing,” Lay said.
Osicka, 24, joined the force in April 2023. He resigned in September to pursue a business in power washing.
The girl wasn’t breathing when officers arrived to the house on Cottage Street.
Police at the time said Osicka began CPR without hesitation and “within seconds, the child began to breath independently but abruptly stopped breathing again.”
He began CPR a second time and cared for the toddler until emergency medical service personnel arrived to take her to the hospital. She later recovered and returned home.
Osicka said he attempted to see the girl following the incident, but never connected.
The lifesaving act did not go unnoticed. The story was shared on state and national platforms.
“It even reached the U.K. at one point,” Osicka said during an interview after the ceremony.
In May, State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) presented a commendation from the Ohio House Representatives during a ceremony on the House floor.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said Osicka’s action that night serves as an example of the police force’s “heart and dedication for the people of the community.”
“He’s an example of the next generation of Ashland Police Division officers. Most of them are in the their 20s,” he said.
Osicka showed up Monday with his new wife, Lentley — they wed in October — wearing civilian clothes and a wide smile. Though he resigned from the force, he plans to continue to keep his certification.
“I definitely miss it, so you never know,” he said of the police force.