Detectives Save Elderly Woman

April 9, 2010

Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized two Albuquerque police detectives Friday who saved the life of a 78-year-old woman who was lying unconscious in her home.

Detectives Shawn Casaus and Andrew Wickline are this week’s Employees of the Week. Each week, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognizes at least one city employee who goes above the call of duty.

“These detectives are fine examples of what city employees do every day for our citizens,” Mayor Berry said. “Had they not gone the extra mile, it’s likely that Ms Judith Walker would not be with us today.”

At 12:35 p.m. on March 31, Casaus and Wickline, who are members of the Criminal Nuisance Abatement Unit, responded to a welfare check at 8010 Constitution NE because the 78 year old Judith Walker did not show up to her morning doctor’s appointment. Family members also reported that she not been seen for 24 hours

Upon entering the city housing unit, the detectives found Walker lying face down in her apartment. She was blue, unconscious and was not breathing. The detectives began first aid and CPR until Albuquerque Firefighters arrived. Walker was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a recovery.

AFD paramedics said they believe the officers’ quick response saved the woman’s life.