Three honored for saving child's life
Two nurses, girl, 10, save 4-year-old from drowning
Saturday, December 24, 2005
GALESBURG - Two registered nurses and a 10-year-old girl were recognized last week for saving the life of a 4-year-old girl in March.Austyn Camp, 10, Farmington, Denise R. Kirgan, Maquon, and Rebecca Kirgan, Ellisville, were awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Illinois Police Association and each were given $50 from the Galesburg Chapter of the Policeman's Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois. The three are credited with saving McKenzie N. Peckham, now 5, from drowning in the swimming pool at Day's Inn, 3282 N. Henderson St.
The Peckham family was staying at the motel with a group of friends for a family gathering.
Shelia Peckham said she was talking to some of the other mothers and McKenzie, the "baby" of her 4-year-old triplets, was playing at the shallow end of the pool. Suddenly, around 5:30 p.m., she couldn't see McKenzie among the large number of children in the pool.
She walked over to the pool and saw McKenzie floating face down between the 2- and 3-foot area.
Camp heard Peckham scream, jumped in the pool, reached McKenzie and flipped her over. Peckham had also jumped into the pool. McKenzie was lifted from the pool. She had turned blue and was not breathing.
Denise Kirgan and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Kirgan, were sitting just outside the pool area. They rushed over to see if they could help. They found McKenzie had a pulse, so Denise Kirgan said they started giving the girl "rescue breaths."
McKenzie was treated at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and then transferred to the OSF St. Francis Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Peoria for observations. She was allowed to go home the next afternoon.
Pekham said most of the adults in the pool group knew CPR, but weren't sure what to do.
Denise Kirgan visited the Peckhams the following week and later taught a CPR/first aid class in Farmington for those interested in taking the course. She said a refresher course is needed every two years.
"The Galesburg Police Department is very proud to honor these people," GPD Lt. Randy Benson said of the awards.
