Longview police sergeant awarded for heroism - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

Longview police sergeant awarded for heroism

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Sgt. Chip Koepke accepts the Life Saving Award from LPD Chief Don Dingler Sgt. Chip Koepke accepts the Life Saving Award from LPD Chief Don Dingler

LONGVIEW (KYTX) - The City of Longview, its police force and Police Chief Don Dingler honored LPD Sgt. Donald "Chip" Koepke on Thursday with the Life Saving Award for heroism during an April 21 incident.

On April 21, Koepke witnessed a car driven by Amber Bird, traveling in his direction, suddenly run off the roadway and into a group of pine trees.

According to LPD spokeswoman Kristie Brian, Sgt. Koepke got out of his patrol car and climbed into the car with the unconscious driver. Koepke held the victim's head and neck, even as the car filled up with smoke. He stayed with the victim until EMS arrived and was able to get her out of the car.

"Sgt. Koepke suffered from smoke inhalation. His valiant efforts were instrumental in saving this victim's life," Brian said in a media release. "Without him holding her head she would not have been able to breath and could have died as a result of the accident."

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