Clarendon school resource officer saves student from choking

MANNING - The quick actions of the school resource officer at Manning Early Childhood Center aided school officials in coming to the rescue of a young student who began to choke in the school's cafeteria.

SRO Dillon Kirby, a deputy with the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, was having lunch with MECC students in the cafeteria when he spotted Elizabeth Weathersbee beginning to choke.

"He was close by," said MECC Principal Otis Reed. "He was sitting at a table eating with the students when he saw her start to choke and reacted quickly. He was an extra person in there to help keep the students safe."

Elizabeth's mother also applauded Kirby's efforts.

"Our daughter Elizabeth was in the cafeteria at school and began choking," said Sarah McLeod Weathersbee. "Thanks to the quick actions of this officer, Mr. Dillon Kirby, he was able to help her. Not sure what the outcome could have been, but we are very glad because of him we didn't have to find out. Thank you again for what you did for her and our family."

Wearing a huge smile, Kirby said he was doing "what came naturally."

"It was a blessing," he added. "I have grandchildren, and being around those young children every day makes me appreciate my grandchildren even more."

Kirby called his job at MECC a true calling.

"I enjoy being around those children. I also enjoy being around the teachers and staff. It's a great group to work with," he added.

"Some of those children really touch your heart," he said. "I love what I do."

"I had a teacher tell me yesterday that I was the perfect person for this school," Kirby said Thursday morning. "I feel like it's the perfect place for me to be, too."

Kirby said that he's proud of his job and the opportunity to show children at a young age that law enforcement officers are their friends and not someone for them to be afraid of.

"Working here is a blessing," he added.

Reed called Kirby an asset to MECC.

"Officer Kirby has a great relationship with our staff and our students," Reed said. "He's an asset to the daily operations of our school."

Reed said that Kirby never sits still.

"He's always walking around making sure the doors are locked, helping us keep the school safe and secure," Reed said. "The students enjoy having him around, and the staff does, too. He's always willing to step in and help out."