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Mary Lou Dill quickly utilized her training in American Red Cross CPR classes to save the life of a six-year-old boy.
On a family vacation in Florida, the Mississippi College public safety officer revived Luke Riley after the Memphis youngster nearly drowned at a pool at an Orlando resort.
Mary Lou insists she’s no hero. But leaders at Mississippi College, Red Cross officials and others disagree.
Dill will be honored at half-time of the MC-Belhaven football game at Robinson-Hale Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. She will receive resolutions from the MC President’s Council, Gov. Phil Bryant, the Red Cross, Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher and the city’s Board of Aldermen.
As thousands of football fans look on, Dill says she’s hoping the event will prompt more people to sign up for American Red Cross CPR classes. That emergency training could save more lives, she says.
An MC public safety officer since February 2008, Dill thanks God for prompting her to get the CPR training eight months before the incident in Florida in late May.
It’s a family vacation the native of Trepassey in Newfoundland, Canada will never forget.
After hearing a woman’s screams for help, Mary Lou saw her holding the lifeless body of a little boy and noticed white foam coming from his mouth.
“All I can remember is, ‘Oh my God, he’s drowning’ and the next thing I’m doing compressions.”
With the crying youngster finally revived, emergency responders arrived and rushed Luke to an area hospital where he made a full recovery.
Luke, now 7, and his mother, Gina Riley, have stayed in touch with Mary Lou Dill in recent weeks. The family cannot attend the September 19 ceremonies on the Clinton campus. They express their deepest thanks and best wishes to the MC public safety officer.
“I learned that Luke is actually one of a set of triplets, was born prematurely and spent some time in the neonatal intensive care unit,” Dill said. “He’s been fighting for the last five years and he’s definitely meant to be on this earth for something.”
Dill presently serves as an American Red Cross CPR instructor. She and her husband, Chris, who will become the new police chief at Holmes Community College on Monday, are Clinton residents.
Nationwide, more than nine million people learn lifesaving skills by taking American Red Cross classes. To sign up for courses or become a volunteer, contact the Red Cross office in Flowood at 601-353-5442.
