Representatives of EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) and CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) recognized Capt. James Madden for his lifesaving response to Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Dry.
Representatives of EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) and CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) recognized Capt. James Madden for his lifesaving response to Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Dry.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – The EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) commended the captain of the site’s security force in a ceremony last week for his lifesaving response to a member of the local sheriff’s office.

WVDP security officers and Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office representatives were having lunch at WVDP in January when Capt. James Madden observed Sgt. Jason Dry choking. Madden rushed to Dry and applied the Heimlich maneuver. After three attempts, a blockage was removed, allowing Dry to breathe freely.

“Captain James Madden’s immediate response to the emergency saved a life,” EM WVDP Director Bryan Bower said. “His dedication to duty and commitment to excellence resulted in his immediate reaction when faced with a life-and-death situation.”

EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Director Bryan Bower presents a plaque to Capt. James Madden during a ceremony at WVDP last week.
EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Director Bryan Bower presents a plaque to Capt. James Madden during a ceremony at WVDP last week.

Madden is an employee of Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services, a subcontractor to WVDP cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV).

“For exemplary meritorious service to the community and to the WVDP, it would be my honor to recognize the actions taken by Captain Madden,” Bower said during the ceremony attended by Dry and representatives of WVDP and CHBWV. “I am very proud of him and recognize his valuable service to protecting the staff at the WVDP and the surrounding community.”

Ken Whitham, CHBWV vice president of environmental, safety, health, and quality, said Madden’s actions speak volumes to his knowledge and dedication to employees, WVDP visitors, and the greater public.

“He was able to put his knowledge and training into action to save the life of a coworker, and that is truly commendable,” Whitham said.