Fresno State Police Officer George Rascon was playing golf at the Riverside Golf Course in Fresno in May when a man collapsed, clutching his chest.

Rascon, who was off duty, rushed to the man and began CPR. After the third round of CPR, the man gasped for air. He was later transported to the hospital and released the following day.

In January, Rascon was one of 18 officers from across the California State University campuses to receive a Life Saving Medal in honor of the work they do to keep campuses safe and for their outstanding actions to go above and beyond the call of duty.

“We don’t do the job for medals or recognition,” Rascon said. “We just do what needs to be done when we are called upon. I’m just glad that I received the training that I needed to save this man’s life.”

Rascon has worked on campus for 14 years. Prior to Fresno State, he was an officer with the Fowler Police Department. He is a father to five children: Kristin, 45, Danielle, 41, Christopher, 34, Anthony, 32, and Nicole, 25.

When he’s not working, Rascon likes to enjoy a hot cup of strong coffee with something sweet. He likes to work out and play golf with old friends drinking whiskey and smoking cigars.

Campus News asked Rascon a few questions being an officer and what happened that day on the golf course.

You’re a Fresno State police officer, what do you like about working on a university campus?
The environment. Here you get a chance to know everyone. It’s like working in a small community.

How did you get into law enforcement and why?
I’ve always been interested law enforcement, but I really didn’t get involved until my oldest daughter became a community service officer for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department. After a year or two, she decided to enter the Police Academy, so being a concerned father, I decided to enter the Police Academy to be close to her at the young old age of 45. My daughter never made it into the academy, because she blew her knee out during the physical agility test, but I did and have been a law enforcement officer for approximately 18 years.

You were off duty while golfing at the Riverside Golf Course when a man collapsed. What was your first reaction?
I was standing on the green waiting to putt when I saw him holding on to the front of the golf cart, then he just fell to the ground like a sack of potatoes. His partner never got out of the cart, so I ran over and rolled him onto his back as he was gasping for air, then he stopped breathing. I immediately asked one of them to call 911 and started CPR.

What does it mean to you to receive a Life Saving Medal from the CSU?
All I can tell you, is that we don’t do the job for medals or recognition. We just do what needs to be done when we are called upon. I’m just glad that I received the training that I needed to save this man’s life.

What would you like the campus community to know about you?
That I’m a father first, family means everything to me. And I’m an honest man who’s word still means something!

(Editor's note: Campus News accepts nominations for faculty and staff profiles. These stories allow the campus community to learn about the many colleagues who contribute to the success of Fresno State. If you know someone with an interesting story — a passion for helping the community or a cause, a remarkable life journey, or there is just something fascinating about them to share — please email campusnews@csufresno.edu.)