When passenger Steve Smith collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Airport Police Officers Sophia Dimkos and Percy Clarke, along with off-duty Nurse Marie Scott, performed CPR and administered an AED to save his life.

For their heroic actions, they were honored with American Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards.

Central and Northern New York Chapter Executive Director Kathy Harter presented them with Certificates of Exemplary Personal Action, awarded to individuals, who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life using lifesaving skills.

These individuals exemplify the mission of the American Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They are to be commended for their willingness to help others in distress.

In a heart-warming reunion, Steve Smith and his wife Linda attended the awards presentation.

Also attending on behalf of the Red Cross: Northeast Division Vice President Rosie Taravella and Harter’s Volunteer Partner Bobbie Krukowski.

The National Lifesaving Awards is a program dating back to 1911 that provides recognition to individuals or teams, with or without Red Cross training, who either save or sustain a life.Â