Derek Bosler (Stanton County), Donovan Fowler (Hall County) and Larry Lucas (Hall County) were working when a guest began choking on grounds, (Nebraska State Fair, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — The Nebraska State Fair presented a Lifesaving Award to three members of its security team in recognition of their swift and lifesaving response to a medical emergency that occurred on the fairgrounds earlier this year.
Derek Bosler (Stanton County), Donovan Fowler (Hall County) and Larry Lucas (Hall County) are all full-time deputies who were working as off-duty officers for the Fair’s security operation on Aug. 29 when a guest began choking on grounds. The officers immediately responded to the incident, administering CPR until additional medical personnel arrived. Their actions were credited, by the Fair and the family of the patient, for saving the individual’s life.
“I believe guest safety is foundational to everything we do at the Nebraska State Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “Deputies Fowler, Lucas and Bosler are three very good examples of the type of trained professionals we have on-site to serve and protect our guests.”
The officers were recognized at the Fair’s December board meeting for their life saving efforts and quick decision-making. The patient was unable to attend the meeting in-person but Deputy Bosler reported that he stopped in to see her and she is doing well and thankful for the EMS providers that saved her life.
“Their actions demonstrate the importance of strong public safety partnerships and proper training,” Parr said. “Because of their calm response and lifesaving skills, a guest was able to return home safely and will be celebrating a [now] even more special holiday this season.”
The Nebraska State Fair partners each year with law enforcement and emergency response professionals to provide comprehensive safety across the campus for hundreds of thousands of guests each year.
These efforts include coordinated security staffing with Double Locked Security, Nebraska State Patrol on-site 24 hours a day, on-site EMS provided by Grand Island Fire, emergency preparedness plans and exercises with aid of Hall County Emergency Management and close collaboration with local and regional agencies, like Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sherrif’s Office, to ensure rapid response if emergencies do occur.
The Nebraska State Fair expressed its appreciation to the three officers and to all law enforcement and public safety professionals who support the event each year. The Fair brings a large influx of guests into the Grand Island area across their 11-day event and that increases the need for diligent communication and collaboration across all public safety sectors.
Double Locked Security, on-site security provider for the Nebraska State Fair, was also recognized at the meeting for their outstanding partnership and commitment to the organization and its Fair patrons.
