Marion Police Officer Joe Biddle is being recognized for exemplary service on two separate occasions in November, 2019.
On November 3rd, while on third shift patrol, Ofc. Biddle responded to a home in the 100 block of West 7th St. in reference to an unresponsive person on the porch of a residence. Upon arrival, Biddle found a man and discovered he had no pulse and was not breathing. Ofc. Biddle immediately began CPR, and after about 30 seconds, the victim gasped for air and Biddle detected a pulse. The victim then stopped breathing again at which point Ofc. Biddle continued CPR until more help arrived. After another minute of CPR, the victim continued labored breathing, but was still not breathing on his own. Ofc. Andrew Bowell and Ofc. Dillon Waggoner assisted Biddle until an ambulance arrived. When medics from Marion General Hospital took over, they found that the victim had a pulse and was breathing on his own. The victim was then taken away in the ambulance to MGH.
MPD Captain Chris Butche expressed that Ofc. Biddle’s efforts during the Nov. 3rd incident were exceptional. “Without quick response, continued CPR, and care given by Officer Joe Biddle, I believe that the victim may not be alive today.”
Then on November 15th, Ofc. Biddle was called out on a welfare check in the 600 block of W. 5th St. When Biddle arrived, he encountered two residents and discovered that the home had no working electricity. He learned that the house had been without electricity since April due to lack of payment. Biddle noted that an extension cord was being run to the residence from a neighbor’s home to provide some electricity. After attempting with no success to find a safe and warm place for them to stay, Ofc. Biddle transported the couple to a nearby hotel and paid for a room for them for the night. Following that night, Ofc. Biddle continued to follow up and attempted to get additional services for the couple.
Capt. Butche explained that Ofc. Biddle performed his duties in an exemplary fashion during both of the noted incidents. He added that Biddle is just shy of serving one year in law enforcement with MPD.
Ofc. Biddle commented on both incidents, expressing need to give all officers credit for the everyday work that they do. “On Nov. 3rd, Officers Bowell and Waggoner arrived on the scene quickly and assisted me with CPR.” Reflecting on both incidents, Biddle added, “I was just doing what officers do. We have a great team. Our officers respond to and take the sort of action from incidents like this all the time.”
Capt. Butche also commended the entire 3rd Shift Patrol Services team. “The MPD ‘Knightwalkers’ do an outstanding job and I am fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to work beside them.”