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CHESTERFIELD: Pack recognizes lifesaver

The leadership of Pack 55, Chesterfield, New Jersey, Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America announced that Michael J. Falkowski, a Wolf Scout in Pack 55, was awarded the BSA’s Meritorious Medal of Merit in a

CHESTER FIELD — The leadership of Pack 55, Chesterfield, New Jersey, Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America announced that Michael J. Falkowski, a Wolf Scout in Pack 55, was awarded the BSA’s Meritorious Medal of Merit in a ceremony held in the Chesterfield Elementary School on Nov. 21.
   According to a press release, this award recognizes a notable act of service that need not involve attempts to rescue or risk to self, but puts into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals.
   In Michael’s case, while eating lunch at Chesterfield Elementary School he noticed a classmate at the lunch table had his hand over his throat and his face was red.
   As the classmate stood up, Michael stood behind him, wrapped his arms around his mid-section and performed the Heimlich Maneuver three times.
   A lunch aide, who thought they were roughhousing, came over and told Michael to stop and get off his friend. Michael told her that his friend was choking and showed her how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
   The aide continued the maneuver and was able to dislodge the food from the student’s throat.
   Michael’s quick thinking and immediate reaction to the situation was an example of exceptional service that reflected an uncommon degree of concern for the well being of his friend.
   The highlight of the pack meeting on Nov. 21 was the recognition ceremony in front of his family, friends and fellow cub scouts.
   On behalf of the BSA National Court of Honor, Garden State Council Scout Executive Dan Templar presented Michael with a Medal of Merit, a National Certificate of Merit and his first Square Knot for his uniform.
   The public is invited to join the pack to honor this highly valued youth of our community.
   For further information contact Rex A. van Veldhuisen, Pack 55 Committee Chairman, at 908-217-2083 or [email protected].
   More information is available on the web at www.chesterfieldpack55.org/