Police officer lauded for saving life of man who had stopped breathing

A Gig Harbor police officer has been recognized for his quick action in saving the life of man who had stopped breathing after a drug overdose.

Officer Hector “Eddie” Dominguez answered a 911 call to the parking lot of an apartment complex on the night of April 7 and found a woman attempting to perform CPR on a comatose man. Officer Dominguez took over and continued giving CPR for two minutes until the man regained consciousness.

He then helped the arriving Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One medics get the man onto a gurney and on his way to the hospital.

Medics later said had it not been for the quick actions of Officer Dominguez, the patient very likely would not have survived.

At a City Council meeting May 11, Officer Dominguez was presented with the department’s Lifesaving Award, his second.

“I was able to assess the patient and help,” Dominguez said. “I didn’t think anything of it, it was just another call we went to, and we did our job.”

Coincidentally, Officer Dominguez was also named the region’s Best Police Officer in the May issue of South Sound Magazine.

“Not only is Gig Harbor Police officer Eddie Dominguez a real-life hero for his acts of bravery; he also is a hero to many in the community through his charitable efforts,” the magazine said.” Whether it is leading the department’s Pink Patch Project — aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer — or buying Christmas presents for local kids during the department’s Holiday Heroes event, Dominguez is always saving the day.”

This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 12:51 AM.