Dec. 7 declared as ‘Markie Behanan Day’ in Covington
COVINGTON, Ky. – The Covington Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night officially recognized and commended a Covington Middle School security guard for his swift action that saved the life of a young student last month.
On Dec. 7, the Holmes Middle School cafeteria was the setting for the heroic measures of school security guard Markie Behanan to play out when, during lunch period, 13-year-old Brayden Smith began choking on a piece of food. Smith calmly walked directly to Behanan, confident that he would help him.
Behanan, who is skilled in the Heimlich Technique and CPR, immediately put his training in action, administering the maneuver on Brayden and successfully unlodging the item caught in the young man’s throat.
“My first reaction was to go right into what I know how to do, and that’s to start with the Heimlich,” said Behanan. “I wasn’t nervous, I didn’t panic.”
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Ron Washington presented Behanan with the Commission’s letter of commendation during the Commission meeting.
“It is my honor to present Markie Behanan, who is described by Holmes Middle School administration as ‘Awesome,’ ‘fantastic,’ and ‘an asset to our school,’ with this letter of commendation for heroic action from the City of Covington,” Washington said.
In addition to the Letter of Commendation, the Board of Commissioners read a written resolution declaring Dec. 7 as “Markie Behanan Day” in Covington.
Behanan, a lifelong resident of Covington, assists with the Holmes Middle School basketball team in addition to his work as the school’s security officer. It was through his work with the team that he received training in the Heimlich Technique and CPR.
Numerous school officials, as well as Behanan’s family and friends, attended the meeting and posed for pictures afterward.
“He’s really good with the kids,” said Bradie Bowen, assistant principal at Holmes Middle School. “He handles situations so calmly and level-headed. He’s definitely an asset to our school.”
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