STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2026) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) recently presented Middlebury Police Officer Darci Campbell with her Heart of a Hoosier Award for Campbell's life-saving actions during a welfare check. The presentation occurred on Oct. 28, 2026, during National First Responders Day.
King said on Sunday, Oct. 25, Campbell responded to an Elkhart County residence to assist the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office with a welfare check. Officers found a man who was unresponsive and not breathing. Campbell started CPR and other life-saving measures. The man regained a pulse and began breathing before being taken to the hospital.
"Officer Campbell's actions remind us that behind every uniform is a person who has chosen to put the safety and well-being of others ahead of their own," King said. "We honor and thank her for making such a profound difference in someone’s life. That spirit of service, courage and commitment is what makes our communities strong. It is what makes us proud to be Hoosiers. We are blessed to have people like her who stand ready, day after day, to protect our families, our neighbors and our communities. Thank you, Officer Campbell, for your dedication."
King said on National First Responders Day, we honor every man and woman who answers that same call to serve. Whether they're an EMT, a police officer, a firefighter or a medic, they show up when people are facing some of the most frightening moments of their lives. These professionals bring skills to emergencies, calm in the middle of chaos and hope when families need it most.
King said situations like this are a reminder that our officers are often the first ones there when someone's life is on the line. She also thanked the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department for their life-saving actions.
In 2022, King established her Heart of a Hoosier Award to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals and local businesses that exemplify kindness, courage, thoughtfulness and transformative involvement in House District 49.
To nominate someone for a Heart of a Hoosier Award, click here.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (second from right) honors Middlebury Police Officer Darci Campbell (third from left) with her Heart of a Hoosier Award on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at the Middlebury Township Fire and EMS Department. King recognized Campbell for performing life-saving measures on a man who was found unresponsive during a welfare check. Also pictured are (from left) Middlebury Town Manager Mary Cripe, Town Marshal Robert Baker, Elkhart County Sheriff Mike Culp and Middlebury Council Vice President Gary Cripe.
