Warren County Honors Tristen Carter for Lifesaving Heimlich
A Warren County firefighter who performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking diner at a Bowling Green steakhouse received a lifesaving award from county officials.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman presented Tristen Carter with a lifesaving award after Carter performed the Heimlich maneuver on a man experiencing a choking emergency at Tony's Steakhouse on November 5. The maneuver dislodged the obstruction and restored the man's ability to breathe.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights how a bystander's quick response can prevent a choking death in a public restaurant setting. The award was presented at a Warren County Fiscal Court meeting in Bowling Green, where county leaders also reviewed park improvements.
Four county parks are slated for artificial turf installation with completion targeted for March 1, 2027. Work at Basil Griffin Park is scheduled to begin November 21, though the stub does not address the total project cost.
The players
Tristen Carter
A career firefighter with the Bowling Green Fire Department who also serves part-time with the Warren County Fire Department and volunteers with the Alvaton Fire Department.
Doug Gorman
The Warren County Judge-Executive who presented the lifesaving award to Carter at the Fiscal Court meeting.
The details
Carter, a career firefighter with the Bowling Green Fire Department who also works part-time for the Warren County Fire Department and volunteers with the Alvaton Fire Department, noticed the choking emergency while dining at the restaurant. The Fiscal Court also approved a resolution supporting Warren County's bid to become a certified Kentucky Music Friendly Community.
Timeline
November 5: Carter performs the Heimlich maneuver at Tony's Steakhouse in Bowling Green.
November 21: Scheduled start of work at Basil Griffin Park.
March 1, 2027: Targeted completion of turf installation at four county parks.
March 2027: Planned joint grand opening for playground improvements.
Season Trajectory
The Warren County Fiscal Court approved a resolution supporting the county's effort to earn certification as a Kentucky Music Friendly Community. The same meeting recognized Carter's lifesaving act and advanced park upgrades.
Residents who use the county's parks can expect playground and turf upgrades to come online over the coming year, with Basil Griffin Park work starting November 21. The Music Friendly Community resolution signals county efforts that could shape local arts programming.
The takeaway
Quick action by a trained bystander can reverse a choking emergency within minutes, and recognition programs like this one draw public attention to that training. Local residents who want to build the same skills can check with their county fire department about available courses.
What happens next
Work at Basil Griffin Park is scheduled to begin November 21, with turf installation at four county parks targeted for completion March 1, 2027, and a joint grand opening planned for March 2027.
Further reading
For more on local giving and recognition, explore Philanthropy coverage tied to Bowling Green.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNKY News 40 Television.
