Newport Police recognize detective for saving woman’s life

NEWPORT, Mass. (WLNE) — The Newport Police Department recognized a member for saving a woman’s life on July 11.

Detective Patrick Walsh was on duty at the Newport Art Museum when he was notified Patricia Sitcoske was suffering a “severe airway obstruction,” Newport police said.

According to police, Sitcoske’s husband and a bystander had attempted to clear the obstruction, but were “unsuccessful.”

Walsh performed the Heimlich maneuver on her 17 times, and was able to dislodge the object.

On July 22, Sitcoske came into the station to thank Detective Walsh, and told police that “she felt she was on the verge of blacking out and was going to die.”

She also donated $500 to the Potter League for Animals in recognition of Detective Walsh.