Fort Lauderdale Teen Saves the Life of Police Officer Who Was Booking Him

Jamal Rutledge, a 17-year-old Fort Lauderdale teen, is being hailed as a hero after he helped save the life of the police officer who was booking him into jail. Rutledge, who was being booked for criminal mischief and burglary probation, was being processed by Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Franklin Foulks...

By Chris Joseph

January 14, 2015

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Jamal Rutledge, a 17-year-old Fort Lauderdale teen, is being hailed as a hero after he helped save the life of the police officer who was booking him into jail. Rutledge, who was being booked for criminal mischief and burglary probation, was being processed by Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Franklin Foulks when the officer suddenly collapsed as he was doing paperwork.

Rutledge immediately sprung to action, running toward the security fence. He began kicking it and screaming out to alert the other officers about what was happening.

Another officer heard the commotion and ran over, noticing Foulks on the ground, clutching his chest. The entire incident was caught on surveillance video.

According to the Fort Lauderdale Police, Sgt. Todd Bunin called for help as he removed Foulks' police gear and cut off his shirt. Officers Robert Norvis and Raymond Ketchmark soon arrived to help. Norvis performed CPR on the 49-year-old Foulks, while Ketchmark stimulated his heart with a defibrillator. The officers also called Fire Rescue.

Foulks was then rushed to Broward Health Medical Center.

According to a Fort Lauderdale Police statement, it was Rutledge's quick thinking and reaction that helped save Foulks' life. As soon as he saw Foulks fall from his desk, Rutledge "immediately began to kick the security fence and yell to alert officers in the area," the statement says.

"Broward Health Medical Staff noted that Rutledge's actions and the quick response of these officers were largely responsible for Officer Foulks surviving this medical episode," the statement also says.

The incident happened back on September 10 but is only now being revealed by Fort Lauderdale Police and the City of Fort Lauderdale.

On Tuesday, Rutledge was reunited with Officer Foulks and Officers Bunin, Norvis, and Ketchmark to pose for a promotional photo put together by the city, which announced that a ceremony honoring the men and teen will be held next week.

The men will be honored at the next City Commission meeting on January 21.

Juv & 3 FLPD Offcs receive #LifesavingAward & Officers of the Month for saving Officer's Life. http://t.co/YsfQL6VvAE pic.twitter.com/q32y4h9Drn
— Fort Lauderdale PD (@FLPD411) January 13, 2015

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