💖Many Corrigan Police vehicles are now equipped with defibrillators

💖Defibrillators can be a life-saving device for someone having a cardiac arrest

💖A generous donation by Georgia-Pacific made this purchase possible


Over the past several years, defibrillators are becoming a common site at schools, businesses, and other public venues. These devices which can help restore a heart's rhythm in the event of a cardiac arrest can be a lifesaver.

There was no better teachable moment for this than what happened earlier in January when Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin suffered a grave cardiac episode on the playing field.

(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
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Reports indicated that a defibrillator was used to help save Hamlin's life. Thankfully, the Buffalo Bills' standout is back at his home and continuing his process of recovery.

The Need for Speed...of Life-Saving Equipment

The Corrigan Police Department serves one of the busiest highway corridors in Texas...Highway 59. Many times, Corrigan's police officers are the first responders, whether it is a traffic accident, criminal activity, or even a medical emergency.

As of today, Corrigan police officers are equipped with more than just a gun and a badge. Thanks to $16,000 in funds donated by Georgia-Pacific, they are now carrying medical technology that can help them save lives during medical emergencies.

“We just purchased and placed 8 defibrillators in all of our patrol cars,” said Darrell Gibson, Corrigan Police Chief. “Our police officers are now trained and have the ability to provide this life-saving technology thanks to the generosity of Georgia-Pacific. We had a critical need in our community and Georgia-Pacific did not hesitate to step forward with the funds to help provide the medical technology that can make a difference in life and death,” said Gibson.

Answering The Call

“We have three plants in the Corrigan area which consists of approximately 1000 employees—with much of the workforce also living here,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Texas Public Affairs Manager. “We want to make a positive difference in the communities we call home. By investing in this life-saving technology, we want to do our part to keep the community safe.”

Studies show that every minute a person in sudden cardiac arrest does not receive defibrillation, their chances of survival drop between 7-10%, making rapid defibrillation imperative for survival and one of the key steps in saving a life from cardiac arrest.

Gibson reflects on various 911 emergencies last year where defibrillators would have been extremely helpful.

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“The city of Corrigan does not have a city-based ambulance service,” said Gibson. “Our officers are always the first to arrive, and while they know CPR, sometimes officers need medical technology to sustain someone before an ambulance can arrive.”

The Corrigan Police force, which is made up of 10 officers and the chief, was recently trained on how to use the defibrillators. “The device is compact and relatively easy to use,” said Fitzpatrick Foster, Corrigan Police Corporal. “I am excited to have another weapon in my arsenal that I can effectively use to help someone in distress.”

Contributed Photo/Georgia-Pacific
Contributed Photo/Georgia-Pacific
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Corrigan Police officers show off the new defibrillators they recently put in all the department’s patrol cars. Pictured (l to r) Jason Porter, Corrigan Police Detective; Aliyah Brown, Corrigan Administrative Assistant; Darrian Hudman, Corrigan City Manager; Johnna Lowe-Gibson, Corrigan Mayor; George Standley, Georgia-Pacific Camden Plywood Plant Manager; Darrell Gibson, Corrigan Police Chief; Lester Knight, Georgia-Pacific Corrigan Plywood Plant Manager; Fitzpatrick Foster, Police Corporal; Myrton Thompson, Georgia-Pacific Camden Lumber Plant Manager; Jonathan Reynolds, Corrigan Police Officer.

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