Hendersonville Police Department Present Civilian Service Award to Pardee UNC Health Care Employees

The Hendersonville Police Department honored two Pardee UNC Health Care team members with the Civilian Service Award on Tuesday, August 17. Kayla Ballard, R.N. and Alyssa McAviney, a respiratory therapist, were presented the award for their heroic actions in saving a child from a near drowning at a local pool. 

On August 6, 2021, the Hendersonville Police Department was dispatched to a drowning incident at an apartment complex swimming pool. A one-year-old child had fallen into the pool and was unresponsive when pulled from the water by their mother. Fortunately, Alyssa McAviney and Kayla Ballard were in the area and started CPR. They were able to revive the child prior to Hendersonville Police Department, Hendersonville Fire Department, and Henderson County EMS’s arrival on the scene. 

“Had it not been for the decisive and rapid actions of Alyssa and Kayla, a family and our community would most likely be mourning the loss of a child,” said Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand. “We at the Hendersonville Police Department want to highlight their selflessness and commitment to saving lives both inside and outside their professional roles. The life-saving measures taken by these women are to be commended.” 

“We are so proud of Alyssa and Kayla and are glad they were able to step in to help this family during a very frightening moment,” said VP of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Carol Stefaniak, R.N. “Their quick thinking and training saved a life and is a true example of how our team members work every day to care for our community, not just in the walls of the hospital, but in every part of their life.”          

The Hendersonville Police Department was established in 1880 and provides professional law enforcement services to residents, businesses, and visitors to Hendersonville. For more information visit, www.hendersonvillenc.gov/police-department.