Officer recognized for rescue efforts

15 years ago
By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer

    PRESQUE ISLE — A Washburn woman who was involved in an automobile accident on the Parkhurst Siding Rd. May 1, died a short time later as the result of a medical condition.     Emergency personnel were notified of the accident and responded around 10:13 a.m.
    “Audrey Bell, 69, of Washburn, was traveling north on the Parkhurst Siding Rd. when she fell ill, causing her vehicle to drift off the road. She was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center by Crown Ambulance, where she was pronounced dead as the result of a medical condition,” said Sgt. Eric Erickson, Presque Isle Police Department, who served as lead investigator on the call.
    When police arrived, Bell’s 2002 Pontiac Grand Am was found on a lawn, resting against a tree, with the motor still running.
    The first officer on the scene, Pete Johnson, of the PIPD, is being credited with making every effort to save the woman.
    “Pete’s one of our new officers. When he arrived, the tires were spinning and the engine was on. He saw the woman slumped over the steering wheel but the doors were locked. He broke the window, unlocked the door and immediately began administering CPR,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, PIPD.
    Selfridge said Johnson continued to perform CPR until paramedics arrived.
    “The department is pleased to have Johnson as a member of the force. He acted quickly and decisively. He did everything he could to help the victim until the ambulance arrived,” said Selfridge.
    Chief Naldo Gagnon was notified and Officer Rob Thibeault responded to take photos. The Presque Isle Fire Department also assisted at the scene. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to the front end and was towed by Mike Cowett’s Towing.