Bunnell Police Officers Association, I.U.P.A. Local #6068 President Adrian Zapata was recognized with two Lifesaving Awards for decisive actions during two separate emergencies.
Bunnell Police Department’s press release stated, “During the March 9, 2026, Bunnell City Commission meeting, the Bunnell Police Department recognized Sergeant Adrian Zapata with two Lifesaving Awards for decisive actions during two separate emergencies in November 2025. In both incidents, swift response, training, and teamwork directly contributed to saving lives.”
The press release described the incidents:
- Incident 1: Elderly Patient Resuscitation — November 16, 2025: On November 16, 2025, at 7:33 a.m., law enforcement responded to a residence in the City of Bunnell for CPR in progress involving an elderly patient. Arriving first, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Caleb Tassy began immediate lifesaving efforts, later assisted by Master Deputy Crista Rainey. When Sergeant Zapata arrived, he deployed his assigned AED and successfully delivered a shock as Flagler County Fire Rescue reached the scene and assumed primary medical care. Deputies also gathered critical medical history from the caller to support medical treatment. Follow-up at the hospital confirmed Fire Rescue regained a pulse and the patient was transferred to the ICU.
- Incident 2: Infant Choking Emergency — November 17, 2025: On November 17, 2025, at approximately 3:37 p.m., officers responded to a residence following a report of CPR in progress involving a three-month-old infant. Sergeant Zapata and Officer Sean Schlobohm arrived at the same time. Officer Schlobohm retrieved his department-issued AED while Sergeant Zapata entered the residence to assess the infant. Inside, Sergeant Zapata found the child unresponsive and not breathing. He recognized the infant was choking, identified an obstruction caused by breast milk, and immediately performed lifesaving measures, delivering firm back blows until the airway cleared. The infant began breathing again within moments. Sergeant Zapata then carried the child outside and transferred care to arriving fire rescue personnel for continued treatment.
If your local has a local leader who should be highlighted and recognized, let us know by emailing alinaj@iupa.org!
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