Tumwater officer awarded for saving 6-month-old child

A Tumwater police officer was awarded for saving the life of a 6-month-old baby earlier this year.

Chief John Stines awarded officer Bryent Finch with the Tumwater Police Department Life Saving Award during Tuesday night's council meeting.

Finch has been with the department for the past two and a half years. He was brought on as a lateral transfer from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.

"He's a hoot to work with and the people that he works with really hold him in a high regard," Stines said.

Finch responded to a call on Feb. 26 involving a 6-month-old boy that was assaulted by his care giver. The boy was not breathing and unresponsive but warm to the touch, so Finch began CPR.

"The baby was struggling for life," Finch said. "He would take a couple breaths on his own, but then stop again."

Finch continued CPR until paramedics arrived and were able to provide advanced care. The baby survived.

"The action clearly saved the baby's life, directly contributing to the saving or prolonging of his life," Stines said.

The council gave Finch a standing ovation during the meeting.