Monroe first responders receive recognition for live-saving actions

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD)- A ceremony was held at the Public Safety Center in Monroe to honor the heroic actions of two first responders.

The two honored were Megan Hunt, a patrol officer with the Monroe Police Department, and Markus Lenard, a Captain with the Monroe Fire Department and a Corporal with the Monroe Police Department.

Hunt and Lenard responded to a call where a male resident was suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Hunt and Lenard arrived at the scene to find the victim lying on the ground with an excess of blood and began to administer care. The two worked together and used unique materials to create a tourniquet on the victim’s leg. KTVE/KARD spoke to the honorees about their actions.

We found out it was a through and through in his leg so we applied a tourniquet up high and it stopped the bleeding immediately.

Markus Lenard | Captain, Monroe Fire Department & Corporal, Monroe Police Department

Training goes a lot of the way. You know, and having knowing what you’re doing during that time is a big step too. I’m just grateful that we were able to get to him in such a timely manner to be able to save his life.

Megan Hunt | Patrol Officer, Monroe Police Department

The actions of the two were also recognized by the employees at Ochsner Medical Center in Monroe, La. Staff in the trauma unit felt as though Hunt’s and Lenard’s actions heavily impacted the victim’s outcome. KTVE/KARD spoke with employees with the trauma unit about nominating the first responders for their actions.

We’re all working together to really just try to look at how can we work as the hospital trauma program with the hospital work with our law enforcement and fire colleagues to make sure that patients really get the best care. When we recognize that someone from law enforcement did something that’s really important, that we believe had a significant effect on this patients outcome that they deserve to be recognized.

Jamin Rankin | Trauma Program Manager, Ochsner Medical Center

The City of Monroe Mayor, Friday Ellis, and the Monroe Police Chief, Vic Gordon, spoke during the ceremony sharing their appreciation for the two first responders. Mayor Ellis presented Officer Hunt and Captain Lenard with a plaque and medallion.