Terre Haute cosmetologist given Lifesaving Award by police and fire department
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Wednesday afternoon, a Lifesaving Award was presented to a cosmetologist in Terre Haute.
On December 23, 2024, cosmetologist for Shez Amee Salon, Andrea Copra, noticed that one of her clients, Shawnette Stephens, was not breathing.
'I got her down on the ground and started administering CPR and chest compressions until the Terre Haute police and fire departments took over and saved her life,' said Copra.
Copra said she is very glad that she had taken CPR classes in the past.
'I have done CPR training before, and I just knew that the longer they are without a pulse and not breathing, the quicker you need to react, so I just reacted,' said Copra.On Wednesday, Terre Haute Fire and Police presented Copra a Lifesaving Award. She said that she appreciates the recognition for her actions, but all she cares about is that her client and friend is still here.
'I don't feel like I am overwhelmed with the gratitude as much as I am happy,' said Copra. 'I'm happy that she is here and I'm happy that I did it.'
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However, Stephens said that Copra deserves all of the recognition in the world.
'I am happy that she is getting the recognition that she deserves for saving my life as I will be eternally grateful to her for this,' said Stephens.
She believes it was a Christmas miracle that she gets to still be with her loving family.
'I believe that God wanted me to stay here a little longer,' said Stephens. 'I've got kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, so I needed to be around here a little bit longer.'
Both Copra and Stephens said none of this would have been possible without all of the first responders who were there on this day.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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