Minden’s Deputy Chief of Police Tokia Harrison has recently completed the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Instructor course. This achievement, sponsored by the Shreveport Marshal’s Office, was taught by Brian Sparks and Craig Menefee of SMR Training Solutions.
Sparks, who serves the City of Minden as the police department’s SRT medical officer, oversees the emergency medical training of its officers. He, alongside Menefee, led the Heartsaver instructor course, which is designed for individuals with little to no medical training.
Completing the course along with Deputy Chief Harrison were Deputy Marshals Scot Decker and Jonathan Ponder.
Harrison’s Heartsaver Instructor certification “is a testament to her dedication to public safety and her commitment to the community of Minden,” Sparks said. “This qualification will undoubtedly serve as an invaluable asset, fostering a safer environment and empowering others to act in times of crisis.
“Deputy Chief Harrison recently recertified her Basic Life Support certification as part of the department’s annual training, so her achieving instructor credentials is bringing this achievement full circle,” he continued. “Having one of your student’s use lessons you taught him/her to save a life is an indescribable feeling. Now Deputy Chief Harrison can use her real- life experiences to imprint her knowledge on someone else who may also save a life.”
Heartsaver is a CPR and First Aid course that equips participants with essential life-saving techniques. Harrison’s new instructor certification will enable her to certify members of the community and police department, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies.
This certification is particularly impactful since Harrison and fellow officer Kendale Booker recently used such techniques to save a local citizen’s life while on-duty. The two were working a security detail for an event at the Forestry Building on the local fairgrounds when a woman suffered a medical emergency.
SMR Training Solutions operates on a profound mission: “Learn the skills that may give someone a second chance on their worst day.” This guiding principle is not merely a slogan but a deeply ingrained philosophy that drives their comprehensive training programs.
“Deputy Chief Harrison exemplifies the product of SMR Training Solutions’ mission. Through rigorous training and unwavering dedication, Harrison has embodied the values and skills imparted by SMR. This success story underscores the transformative power of proper training and preparedness,” Sparks said.
