On June 29 of last year, Solomon Tacher of Bellevue was struck by a Ford Expedition and pinned against his Lexus crossover at the Elephant Super Car Wash on Bel-Red Road.
Tacher, 74, was bleeding profusely from his legs and barely conscious, according to witnesses. Linda Huizingh, a dental hygienist from Bellevue, saw the collision and grabbed a first-aid kit from her car. She was the first to respond, applying tourniquets to Tacher’s legs. Her swift actions and clear thinking helped save his life.
“When I saw that Mr. Tacher’s legs were virtually unattached I just moved into action,” Huizingh explained, who was CPR certified. “From an anatomy standpoint, the femoral artery had been cut and I knew if we didn’t stop the blood coming out he would have bled to death in seconds. It was so just black and white. I had to act.”
Another witness of the accident, James Simmons, acted promptly to assist Tacher.
On Tuesday, May 11, both Huizingh and Simmons were presented with the 2010 Civilian Awards by the Bellevue Police Department for their heroic efforts.
Tacher and his wife were in the audience during the City Hall presentation. Tacher’s wife greeted Huizingh with roses and said a personal thank you to both Huizingh and Simmons.
“I am very grateful to receive this award, but I think it means more that he’s here to see this day,” Huizingh said of Tacher. “It is wonderful to see him alive and looking so fresh and his wife is there by his side. They have more life and years together to enjoy their love affair. That means the most to me.”
Another civilian, Charles Julian, was honored for preventing a female from jumping off an I-405 overpass.
The city also recognized a number of police officials.
Det. Jennifer Robertson was named Police Officer of the Year.
Police Operations Support Specialist Sheila Evans was named Staff Support Employee of the year.
Officer Tom Maker and Police Support Specialist Carla Furukawa each were honored for 30 years of service.
Lt. Tony Dempsey, Cpl. Gary Cook, Lead Police Support Specialist Julie Erdmann and Administrative Assistant Jan Wyman were honored for 25 years of service.
