A Cassville police officer has been bestowed an Outstanding Service Award for his action on a call on Oct. 25.

The honor, presented at the Cassville City Council meeting on Nov. 14, accounts Mercy Ambulance EMT Valerie Wilson’s praise of Office Matt Hoover.

‘ I was thoroughly impressed with Officer Hoover,’ Wilson said. ‘He was the first professional to start CPR and was there by himself for a while. Once we arrived, he continued to provide whatever support we needed and asked for, helped get the patient on a scoop stretcher and followed us to the [helicopter landing zone]. Had he not been there quick and did great compressions, I don’t believe the patient would have regained pulses.’

Donnie Privett, interim chief at the Cassville Police Department, said Hoover’s actions showed outstanding service and commitment to the residents of Cassville.

‘[This demonstrates] the finest attributes a Law Enforcement Officer can possess,’ Privett said. ‘Thank you for your dedication above and beyond your duty, and for representing the Cassville Police Department in such a positive manner.’

The patient was transported to an area hospital and regained a pulse, but died a few days later.