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Lynchburg woman thanks police officer who saved her from choking

The woman and her daughters wanted to thank the officer for saving her life

A Lynchburg Police officer hugs a woman during their reunion. She and her daughters thanked the officer for saving her life. (WSLS)

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A local woman and her daughters took the time to thank a Lynchburg Police officer who saved her life.

Over the summer, that woman started choking when Officer Austin Rowland performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life.

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A Lynchburg woman and her two daughters pose for a photo with police. They reunited with the officer who saved her life. (WSLS)

The woman and her two daughters reunited with the officer Saturday morning to thank him.

Lynchburg Police posted about the reunion on Facebook:

“Weekend surprise! Earlier this summer, Officer Mike Johnson and Officer Austin Rowland were handling a late night call for service when a resident started choking and turning blue. Officer Rowland jumped into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and saving her life. She recently reached back out to Officer Johnson because she and her daughters wanted to do something special and thank the officer who saved her life. This morning they met up at Old Forest Walmart and the resident and her children surprised Officer Rowland with a balloon, cards, and hugs. We’re grateful for the quick action of Officer Rowland and for relationships like this that make our city so special.”

A Lynchburg family thanks the officer who saved a woman from choking. (WSLS)

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About the Author
Lindsey Kennett headshot

You can watch Lindsey during Virginia Today every weekend or as a reporter during the week!