A 61-year-old Merriam woman’s heart stopped beating on a warm, afternoon last month. When Merriam police arrived at her home, Master Police Officer Matthew Hirsch sprang into action and performed CPR for several minutes.

The woman survived thanks to his efforts and those of the Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act, who arrived shortly after to help during the medical call. She has since made a full recovery.

For his quick actions, MPO Hirsch received a Life Saving Award during the City Council meeting on Sept. 10.

“Receiving this award is incredible,” MPO Hirsch said. “One of the best parts is knowing that people get to see this and understand that police work is not just about making arrests. It truly is about helping people.”

MPO Hirsch’s supervisors said they’ve recognized his commitment to serving those in need.

“Officer Hirsch is committed to helping others,” acting Police Chief Todd Allen said. “We are all very proud of him.”

MPO Hirsch said he only had a few minutes to think about what he did that afternoon and “then it was on to the next call.”

“At the end of the day, I felt lucky to have had excellent training, which allowed me to help save a life,” MPO Hirsch said.

MPO Hirsch has served with the Merriam Police Department since 2016. In 2017, he received Merriam’s Police Officer of the Year Award. His peers nominated him for the award for his demonstration in teamwork, community service, community policing, and promoting the department’s core values of courage, sacrifice, and compassion.

Acting Police Chief Todd Allen and Mayor Ken Sissom congratulating                                                             MPO Hirsch and members of the Overland Park Fire Department.