Cherokee Resident Saves Georgia State Patrol Trooper's Life

The American Red Cross’s Metropolitan Atlanta chapter has recognized a Cherokee County resident for saving the life of a Georgia State Patrol trooper.

The organization on Wednesday awarded Judy Cox with its national Certificate of Merit honor at its American Red Cross board meeting.

Cox, a personal fitness trainer, used her training in CPR/AED to save the life of Steve Walker, a trooper with the state agency.

Walker was exercising in July 2014 at the BridgeMill Athletic Club in Canton when he suffered a heart attack, the American Red Cross said.

The award is presented to about 150 to 175 people each year across the country for their “selfless and humane efforts to save or sustain a life with skills learned through Red Cross training,” the Red Cross said.

The national American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, created almost 100 years ago as a way to recognize the life-saving efforts of railway workers, continues today as its highest honor. It is signed by the president of the United States, who serves as the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross.

Atlanta’s Red Cross office nominated Cox for the prestigious award.

“Her actions demonstrate the value of Red Cross CPR training in health club settings, and help raise awareness for the importance of Red Cross Health and Safety training in our community,” the Red Cross said.

(Pictured, left to right: Kevin Gallagher (the person who initially summoned Judy Cox at the BridgeMill Athletic Club), Logan Cox, Jocelyn Collett, (American Red Cross South Territory Logistics Coordinator), Colby Cox, Judy Cox, Randall Cox, Steve Walker, Emily Walker and Sara Walker. Credit: American Red Cross)