Beale Associates Receive Heroism Awards for Life-saving Efforts

“Where heroes work” took on another meaning at the Beale Air Force Base Exchange as two associates received Heroism Awards and coin recognition for their life-saving efforts at the main store.

Main Store Hard Lines/Firearms Department Manager Kenneth Sprague and Supervisory Customer Experience Associate Francisca Salazar received the recognition after they performed CPR on a shopper in severe distress on Jan. 8.

While Sprague and Salazar were working near the front of the BX in the late afternoon, a shopper informed them that someone in the store needed help.

In a stroke of luck, Sprague—a four-year Exchange associate—is a retired Air Force firefighter who spent time as a deputy fire chief at Travis Air Force Base and an overseas contractor who helped establish the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) fire department in Poland.

“We went over to see what was going on,” Sprague said. “I knew she needed immediate assistance, so I sent Francisca to call 911 and then she came back to assist me.”

Beale AFB Exchange associates Kenneth Sprague and Francisca Salazar were honored for coming to the aid of a shopper in distress. Their teammates in the back row, from left: Services Business Manager Stevie Ledermann, Loss Prevention Manager Enrique Yu, General Manager Cathie Byrns, Main Store Assistant Manager Ronda Vanpool and Main Store Manager Lindsay Estrada-Perez.

Sprague and Salazar were able to resuscitate and stabilize the individual until an ambulance and paramedics arrived to take over.

“My background as a fire chief and paramedic was obviously helpful,” Sprague said. “I had a lot of experience in CPR and training others in it as well.”

Salazar, who has been with the Exchange for a little more than two years, did not have formal CPR training, but was the first one to step in to assist Sprague with his life-saving efforts.

“I was very appreciative of Francisca helping me,” Sprague said. “In a situation like that, people can panic and be afraid to act, but she was the one who stepped in to assist. Having an extra set of hands was a huge help.”

“It was very worrying,” Salazar said. “But it was a huge learning experience.”

Sprague and Salazar received framed Heroism Award certificates as well as a coin recognition ceremony with Chief Operating Officer Jason Rosenberg, Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh Jr., Western Region Senior Vice President Ronny Rexrode, Chief Administration Officer Thomas Lozier and Vice President of Loss Prevention Tommie Caudle.

“The Beale Exchange is incredibly fortunate to have associates like Kenneth and Francisca,” said General Manager Cathie Byrns. “They both reacted swiftly and knowledgeably and ensured that the shopper in distress was taken care of until paramedics were on the scene.

“Their heroism not only showcases the highest standards of compassion but also underscores their readiness and commitment to the safety of all our Exchange shoppers.”