Caddo Valley officers recognized for life-saving actions

By LESLIE R. KENT | arkadelephian.com

Police Chief Ashley Collier made two requests of the Caddo Valley City Council immediately after she became chief of the department last summer. The new chief requested that the council approve the use of Narcan by her officers during incidents involving possible opioid overdoses. Her second request was to begin a recognition program for the department. Both requests were approved unanimously by the council and instituted immediately.

The success of both new programs was evident Tuesday night during a reception held at city hall before the city council’s regular meeting. Chief Collier was beaming as she recognized two Caddo Valley police officers for their heroic actions while on duty.

She presented Sgt. Austin Hughes with the Narcan Lifesaving Award. The chief’s request for Narcan made it possible for Sgt. Hughes, only a month later, to administer the opioid antidote while waiting on EMS units, thus saving the victim’s life.

Next Chief Collier announced her choice for 2023 Caddo Valley Police Officer of the Year, Officer Kyle Shelby. A check for $250 accompanied the honor, which was followed with a second commendation, a CPR Lifesaving Award for his actions on Dec. 9, 2023. Officer Shelby began CPR, before EMS arrived, to resuscitate a man who had collapsed at a local business. The victim, who later died, remained alive long enough for his family to gather and subsequently give permission for his organs to be donated, potentially saving numerous other lives.

The recognition ceremony was attended by more than 20 family members and citizens, who were served with cake and punch.