Life Saving Incident
June 13, 1939
San Diego County
San Diego
On June 13, 1939 Officers Louis Chauvaud and Bert Ritchey aided by lifeguards, to score a decision over death as they revived John Wall 17 years old. Wall almost drowned in the surf at Old Mission Beach, San Diego, California. While attempting to fight his way back to shore against a heavy surf, Wall became exhausted, swallowed considerable amount of water and was unconscious by the time he was pulled to safety. Chauvaud and Ritchey applied an inhalator and doggedly stuck to their work until Wall was breathing again. He was transported to Mercy hospital where he survived. ( Text taken from 1939 news article San Diego Union)
The history of law enforcement in the United States is a long and wonderful history of bravery. This website is dedicated to documenting the heroic deeds of law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have either given or risked their lives to save others. There are many stories of bravery and heroism for many who are considered first responders. However, it is those in law enforcement who are most likely to be the first to arrive upon a location requiring life saving acts engaging dangerous hostage takers, running into burning buildings/vehicles, providing first aid to seriously injured victims, saving near drowning victims and much more are what the women and men of law enforcement do routinely and at many times, great peril to their own safety.
It is our mission to document the history of lives saved by those dedicated women and men in law enforcement. To share with others the dramatic deeds of those individuals who are the first, first responders. It is so important for our citizens to understand that law "enforcement" is not always about enforcing the law but rather being there when our citizens need us.
It is to this end we are dedicated to promoting documentation regarding the history of law enforcement and the lives they have saved.
