Representatives from the American Red Cross joined the Polson City Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, to award Polson firefighter Casen Elmore the National Lifesaving Award for his quick action while off duty.

Earlier this summer, Elmore was at Salish Point with some friends and noticed a child had been pulled from Flathead Lake and was unresponsive. He quickly ran over, assessed the situation, and began CPR.

The small child began coughing and regained consciousness. Elmore stayed on the scene, reassuring the child’s parents, until the ambulance arrived.

“Thanks to Casen’s quick response, training and composure, that child is alive. Your actions show not only courage and compassion, but a willingness to step forward when it matters,” said Hannah Zuraff, the state executive director for the American Red Cross.

Zuraff added that she was honored and inspired to present the award to a “local hero.” Craig Stahlberg, chair for the Montana board of directors of the American Red Cross, joined her in presenting the award to Elmore, 

Stahlberg said this program was reintroduced in 2018 and since then the Red Cross has issued more than 3,300 Lifesaving Awards nationwide, including six in Montana.