SEVEN LAX POLICE OFFICERS RECOGNIZED BY LOS ANGELES MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA AND LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF BAMATTRE FOR SAVING THREE LIVES

(Los Angeles, California – March 7, 2006) Seven Los Angeles Airport Police Officers earned recognition for saving the lives of three passengers through the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) as they traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) since 2003.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Fire Chief William Bamattre presented Certificates of Commendation to Airport Police Officers William Handley, Vern Williams, Richard Taylor, Gregg Iwamiya, Tanansuk Chow, Thomas Dye and Sergeant Steven Zouzounis. The Officers were recognized for saving the lives of three cardiac arrest victims by using an AED. An AED is a mechanical/electrical instrument used to apply an electrical shock to a person whose heart is in fibrillation. The shock is intended to cause the heart to defibrillate and return to a more normal rhythm.

Villaraigosa and Bamattre used the officers commendations made at the City Council to highlight a new public service announcement about the life saving utility of AEDs.

LAX has installed AEDs in all terminals beginning in 2003. All Airport Police Officers involved have received training in the use of AEDs.