Two Western Illinois University resident assistants in Thompson Hall received letters of commendation from WIU Monday, Sept. 28 for their quick action in response to an incident Sept. 15 involving a student being allegedly shot by his roommate.
Thompson Hall resident assistants Joshua Smith, a sophomore law enforcement and justice administration major from Crete (IL)[formerly of Chicago], and Marcus Sweeten, a senior history major from Roodhouse (IL), were honored Monday, Sept. 28 by WIU Interim President Martin Abraham, Office of Public Safety Interim Director Derek Watts, Interim Vice President for Student Services John Smith, Associate Vice President for Student Services John Biernbaum and Director of Residence Life Mishelle Oaks.
According to Watts, Smith and Sweeten administered life-saving first aid to the victim until first responders arrived on the scene.
“I remember seeing the gun and hearing it go off and I ran, but something in me told me to go back, so I did. I couldn’t leave the victim there, nor could I leave my residents. I felt like I had to do something no matter the consequences to my health. I am glad I went back, but I’m sorry for the situation we faced,” Smith said.
“A lot of things happen that resident assistants have to respond to, but it was really hard to ever conceive of something like this happening, even when going through the situation. I was on the floor in question because of fire alarm protocol. Quickly I knew that this wasn’t a normal fire alarm, and that’s when I found Joshua taking action on his floor, and found myself taking the same action in giving the victim the immediate care they needed. I didn’t really have time to process the situation until after the victim was taken from our care. My thoughts have been with the victim every day since and I hope they have a speedy recovery,” Sweeten said.
Abraham noted that the University is proud to have Joshua and Marcus as members of WIU’s Thompson Hall resident assistant staff.
“Their swift action, along with the efforts of all members of Thompson Hall housing staff on Sept. 15 and the days following, is indicative of the wonderful students we have at WIU, as well as the caliber of our resident assistants and hall staff,” Abraham said. “Thank you to Joshua and Marcus. We commend you for your courageousness and prompt action.”
In addition to the letter of commendation, Smith and Sweeten each received an OPS uniform patch.
“Joshua’s and Marcus’ selfless actions played a vital role in protecting their resident from further harm. Their initial care kept him stable until emergency medical personnel could take over, and their actions went above and beyond their roles as resident assistants,” Watts added. “The resident assistants and other hall staff in Thompson Hall displayed tremendous calm and professionalism throughout this incident to ensure the safety of their residents. We are pleased to work beside these students.”
Smith started as a resident assistant at WIU in August 2020, while Sweeten has been a resident assistant since August 2019.
“The actions demonstrated by Joshua and Marcus were nothing short of heroic, and we are extremely proud of their quick thinking in assisting a fellow student”, Oaks said. “The resident assistants of Thompson Hall have displayed courage, strength and commitment to our Western students both the night of the incident and the following days. We are grateful for the continued support our Thompson staff provide our students.”
In addition to honoring Smith and Sweeten, Watts, on behalf of OPS, presented a letter of appreciation to all Thompson Hall resident assistants and hall staff for their efforts on Sept. 15 and the following days.
“The Thompson Hall resident assistants and head staff demonstrated confidence and assurance to the residents of Thompson Hall throughout the night and into the next day. Each member of the Thompson Hall staff has displayed a strong personal commitment to successfully working together during this event. Their ability to handle the incident and the days that have followed in a calm, objective manner has not gone unnoticed. The members of the Office of Public Safety appreciate the continued support you have provided to your residents and given to the University community during the last several weeks,” Watts said.
***Report Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
