Local ISP trooper saved 3-year-old from drowning

(KINGSTON, Ind.) – An Indiana State Trooper is being recognized for saving the life of a young child who nearly drowned. 

A 3-year-old was found unresponsive in a pool in the Kingston area of Decatur County on July 4, 2025. 

ISP M/Trp. Daniel Elmore rushed to the home and arrived to find a family member performing CPR on the young girl. 

He noticed the relative was struggling to do CPR so he volunteered to do it himself.

“After chest compressions were administered, the child showed signs of responding,” said ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles. 

Elmore then rolled the child onto her side and gave her back blows to clear her airway. 

“She soon began to breathe on her own and started to cry. He monitored her until EMS arrived on scene,” Sgt. Wheeles added. 

The 3-year-old was later flown to an Indianapolis hospital and has since made a full recovery.

The trooper was given a life-saving award from ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott on Tuesday. 

“Without the life saving measures he provided, the child may not have survived this event,” said ISP Versailles Post Commander Lt. Paul Adams.