Matt Adamson, Leigh Kirkeeide, Sarah Cottrell Propst Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources DepartmentNew Mexico State Parks ranger receives double recognition, nationally as State Boating Officer of the Year and for saving the life of a 10-year-old drowning victim

Santa Fe, NM – Navajo Lake State Park Ranger Supervisor Leigh Kirkeeide was recently presented with a Life Saving Award for her skilled observation and swift action that saved the life of a 10-year-old child last month.

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, a 10-year-old boy went into the water from the shoreline near the Navajo Lake State Park Marina to retrieve a toy. The child, who could not swim and was not wearing a life jacket, went out too far and was overtaken by conditions. A family member pulled the boy from the water and Mr. Matt Adamson, who was nearby, started CPR. Officer Kirkeeide was on duty when she was flagged down by other park guests rushing to the scene. Officer Kirkeeide immediately moved the child to a flat location and continued CPR. The boy was unresponsive for approximately one to two minutes before she was able to get him breathing again. The boy was then air lifted to a regional hospital conscious, breathing, and talking.

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst honored Officer Kirkeeide with the State Parks Division Life Saving Award and Mr. Adamson with a Certificate of Appreciation during a presentation at Navajo Lake State Park on July 19.

“Officer Kirkeeide’s quick thinking and actions after the initial response of a good Samaritan undoubtedly helped save this child’s life,” said Secretary Cottrell Propst during Wednesday’s