Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Tumwater Police Department recognized five officers for saving the life of a pregnant woman and the child she was bearing during an incident last year.
Acting Police Chief Carlos Quiles said the woman had severe self-inflicted injuries and had to be extracted from her car before officers were able to provide first aid. Officers successfully stabilized the woman before advanced medical care could arrive.
Five officers received citations, certificates and uniform pins in recognition of their actions, with one officer also receiving a medal for saving the woman.
Acting Sergeant Tim Rios was awarded the Police Star Award for being the first to recognize the immediacy of the threat. Quiles said he breached the victim’s car window to remove her from the vehicle after other efforts were unsuccessful. He was also the one to initiate first aid.
“Officer Rios maintained remarkable composure under extreme stress, provided calm and reassuring communication to the injured female, and demonstrated superior tactical judgment and leadership,” Quiles said.
“His actions not only directly saved the lives of both the female and her unborn child, but also exemplified bravery and professionalism, while above the normal demands of duty.”
Quiles added that Rios is only the second person in the department’s history to receive the award.
Rios delivered a speech before the council to express his gratitude and to acknowledge the work of his team.
“While I may have made some quick decisions that night, I would have been nowhere without my team as we navigated that horrific situation,” Rios said.
He also spoke about the emotional stress they were going through to save the woman’s life.
“I was truly afraid that despite our best efforts, we may be witness to the loss of life of a young woman and her child ... because of the officers standing before you this evening, that did not happen, and their professionalism and courage really truly cannot be overstated," Rios said.
The department also gave Sergeant Chris Tressler, Sergeant Randy Baughn, Officer Chase Grimmett and Officer Javkhlan Battumur lifesaving awards for responding to the emergency.
Quiles said the award recognizes their “outstanding courage, decisiveness and teamwork” during the incident, which happened on Sept. 19, 2025.
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HappyOlympian
Right on! Area police departments do a terrific job.
Wednesday, April 29 Report this
Wesley
I do not trust a cop with a beard. When did beards and tattoos on cops become ok?
Thursday, April 30 Report this
leftcoast
Wesley thinks it'a all about him: "I do not trust a cop with a beard."
Thursday, April 30 Report this