99 CES firefighter saves a life while off duty Published Jan. 20, 2011 Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Glen Taylor, a 99th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter, didn't expect to employ his work skills while meeting a friend at Rocky's, a local bar and grill, on Dec. 24, but thanks to his quick thinking and fast acting, he saved another patron's life. "I heard somebody yell 'he's choking!' and when I looked up I saw a man holding his throat," Mr. Taylor said. "I approached the man and asked him, 'can you speak?' The man shook his head 'no.' I then told him that I was going to help." Mr. Taylor immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver on the man who was choking. Meanwhile, he told the manager of Rocky's to call 9-1-1. "Just about the time I thought he was going to lose consciousness, I started running the procedures for an unconscious choking victim through my mind," Mr. Taylor said. At that moment, a piece of steak dislodged from the man's throat and he was able to breathe again. "He told me, 'Thank you. I was going to die; I couldn't breathe,' and I assured him that he was fine," Mr. Taylor added. "Afterwards, the man tried to reward me, but I refused. I told him that I was glad I could help." Kevin Andreason, Rocky's night manager, offered his opinion of Mr. Taylor's actions days later. "Glen is a long-time customer and well known by my regular patrons and staff," Mr. Andreason said. "His quick actions that evening were impressive and truly lifesaving. I am very appreciative of Glen's patronage and willingness to use his professional skills in an off-duty emergency situation such as this."
