Kimberly Khanafer Presented with Life Saving Award

Kimberly Khanafer receiving her life saving award from Gladwin County Sheriff, Mike Shea on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

What would you do if, during lunch, someone a table over started chocking?

Would you wait to see if anyone else would help, or would you rush in to aid in their situation?

Luckily, of Wayne Nearing, on February 24th, Kimberly Khanafer chose the latter option.

During lunch at the Council on Aging’s (CoA) Antler Arms Senior Dining Center, Nearing began to chock on a piece of meat. The CoA’s Site Manager, Deni Sherman, made the first attempt to dislodge the food, but was unable.

Khanafer, who is certified in CPR, was able to complete the lifesaving Heimlich maneuver and the meat was dislodged, saving Nearing’s life.

“His lips were turning blue,” Sherman recalls, when speaking with other staff members after the incident was over. “I just couldn’t get my arms all the way around to help him.”

Sherman and the other CoA staff thanked Khanafer for her quick thinking and action and Nearing said that he wouldn’t wish that (chocking) to happen to anyone else.

“It was terrifying,” Nearing said.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Gladwin County Sheriff, Mike Shea, presented Khanafer with a lifesaving award for her heroic actions.

The award reads:

 “In recognition of your extraordinary courage and quick thinking in performing the Heimlich maneuver, successfully saving the life of Wayne Nearing on February 24, 2025. Your prompt action, decisive skills, and unwavering commitment to helping others exemplify the highest standards of compassion and heroism. Your selflessness in a critical moment has made a profound difference in someone’s life and we honor your bravery and dedication to the wellbeing of those around you. Thank you or being a true hero. Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office.”

The Sheriff also told the CoA staff of the importance of people to realize, that if they are chocking in public, to not seek a quiet place away from other people, out of embarrassment. This, Shea said, has led to unnecessary deaths. Staying near people, so that you can receive help if you are chocking, is the best thing to do.

The hope is, that someone, just like Khanafer, will step up and help out their fellow patrons in their time of need and there will be no loss of life.

Kimberly Khanafer and Wayne Nearing