Beyond the Badge: How One Corporal Became a Two-Time Hero
From a roadside emergency to a grocery store collapse, Cpl. Lauren Pridgen's heroic actions saved two lives. Explore this positive police story.
by Admin
Sep 19, 2025
In the world of law enforcement, officers train for moments they hope never come. For Corporal Lauren Pridgen, an eight-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, those moments came twice in just three days. Her quick thinking and unwavering dedication to service resulted in two lives being saved, reminding a grateful community what it truly means to protect and serve.
The First Call to Action
The extraordinary series of events began on August 19, 2025. Cpl. Pridgen responded to a medical emergency on Solomons Island Road in Edgewater after a driver experienced a medical crisis and veered off the road. Without hesitation, she began administering CPR, continuing the life-saving compressions until the driver’s pulse was restored. It was a powerful display of her training and commitment, but it was only the beginning of her remarkable week.
A Partnership in Public Safety
Just three days later, on August 22, duty called again. A 911 call reported that a man had collapsed inside a Safeway grocery store in Annapolis and was not breathing. When Cpl. Pridgen arrived, she found that a bystander had already stepped in and started CPR. This crucial first step, a compassionate act by a fellow citizen, set the stage for a successful rescue. Cpl. Pridgen quickly took over, connecting her Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and delivering a life-saving shock. She continued CPR until the man regained a pulse and began breathing on his own before medics arrived.
A Broader Perspective on Service
The events in Edgewater and Annapolis are powerful examples of police bravery and police compassion. The collaboration between the citizen at the Safeway and Cpl. Pridgen highlights the profound impact of community and police working together. According to the American Heart Association, when a victim receives a shock from an AED within the first minute, their chance of survival can be as high as 90%. Furthermore, statistics show that immediate CPR and the use of an AED can double, or even triple, survival rates. Cpl. Pridgen’s actions, supported by those of a quick-thinking bystander and responding EMS crews, created the best possible outcome.
In a statement, the Anne Arundel County Police Department praised her actions, saying, “Cpl. Pridgen’s exemplary actions in both instances highlight the importance of being prepared and ready to act in an emergency. Her dedication to serving our community goes above and beyond the call of duty, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team.”
A Final Thought
An officer’s duty is not just about responding to crime; it is about preserving life and fostering police and community trust. Corporal Lauren Pridgen’s actions over three remarkable days show the heart behind the badge and the profound difference one dedicated officer can make. Her story is a testament to the everyday heroism found in police departments across the country.
For more inspiring police stories that highlight the positive impact of law enforcement, please visit our stories page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Corporal Lauren Pridgen?
Corporal Lauren Pridgen is an eight-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland. She is assigned to the Southern District and is being recognized for saving two separate lives within a three-day period in August 2025 through her quick-thinking medical interventions.
2. What was the first life-saving incident Cpl. Pridgen was involved in?
Three days prior, on August 19, 2025, in Edgewater, Cpl. Pridgen responded to a call where a driver had suffered a medical emergency and driven off the road. She performed CPR on the driver until their pulse was restored.
3. What is an AED and why is it important for police to carry them?
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help re-establish an effective rhythm. Since police are often the first on the scene of a medical emergency, having AEDs allows them to provide immediate, life-saving care that dramatically increases survival rates.
4. What do police officers do in medical emergencies?
Police officers are often trained as first responders who can provide critical care before paramedics arrive. This includes performing CPR, using an AED, controlling bleeding, and stabilizing patients. Their role is a key part of the overall police emergency response system.
5. Where can I find more positive police news?
Websites like WeLovePolice.org are dedicated to sharing positive police news and stories of heroism, community engagement, and the daily efforts of officers that often go unnoticed. These stories highlight the dedication and service of law enforcement personnel across the nation.
