A Life on the Line
On October 22, 2022, Corporal Sara Leishear was going about her typical duties as an assistant supervisor with the Frederick Police Department. Assigned to the Patrol Division and bringing over a decade of experience to her role, she was prepared for a range of high-pressure calls. But on this particular morning, a call came through that would profoundly alter not just her life but that of Dakota, a man facing one of his darkest moments.
When the call went out about an unresponsive individual on East Church Street, Sara was only two blocks away. As she reached the apartment building, she could already hear the cries and terrified pleas of family members. Inside, Dakota was unconscious. His mother was distraught and Dakota’s young daughter, too young to fully understand what was happening, stood nearby.
Sara had been trained for this moment. Drawing on her skills from the Police Academy and mandatory yearly refreshers, she quickly took action, followed by CPR. Her training allowed her to act with speed and precision, but in her heart, she knew this moment went beyond any routine protocol. After Dakota’s pulse returned, she stayed with him until he was safely transported, hoping that this would be the breaking point and that Dakota would soon find his way to a different path. She had intervened at a critical moment in Dakota’s life, but what he would make of it was up to him.
Such high-pressure, emotionally charged calls are not uncommon for Sara, but each one leaves its mark. After all, she’s human and even the most resilient officers need time to decompress. Sara believes in leading by example and maintaining her own well-being so she can be there for others.
Dakota’s Journey
For Dakota, that October day was both devastating and transformative. “When I woke up in the hospital, I saw my family’s pain—my mom, my kids. I knew then that I needed help,” he recalls.
The wake-up call pushed him toward rehab, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of his now mother-in-law, Carin Miller. “She’s been a huge help in my life. I cried and was angry at myself for falling so far, but she helped me realize I’d been given another chance.”
Over the next several months, Dakota embraced recovery with determination motivated by his family, particularly his daughter and stepsons. The journey wasn’t easy. Dakota admits he feared failure and change. But with the love of his wife, Lindsay, and a steadfast support system that included his mom and sister Angela, he built his life up again.
A Full Circle Moment
Months later, during a routine call, Sara found herself face-to-face with Dakota again, this time, months sober. Dakota recalls, “She called out my name, and when I turned around, she said, ‘Hey man! I’m the one that saved you.’ I hugged her and cried. It was a feeling I can’t describe—she gave me a second chance."
For Dakota, Sara isn’t just the officer who saved his life; she’s family. For Sara, witnessing Dakota’s transformation has been profoundly moving. “Seeing someone unresponsive and then seeing them full of life—it’s incredible,” she says. But she’s quick to shift the credit. “I did the work at the moment, but it’s Dakota who has been doing the hard work ever since. I’m so proud of him.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
Today, Dakota is clean, thriving and grateful. He describes a life filled with joy, stability and purpose: “I have an amazing job, a beautiful home and a loving family. I’ve achieved goals I never thought I could reach.”
Sara shares Dakota’s journey as a testament to the strength within the Frederick community and the critical need to break the stigma surrounding addiction. “Recovery is possible,” she affirms. “Dakota is living proof.”
Both Dakota and Sara dedicate themselves to offering encouragement to others struggling with addiction. There are people and resources ready to support you. You’re not alone” Dakota emphasizes.
Sara is now assigned to the Special Operations Division and recently received the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Award. However, for Sara, her greatest reward is seeing lives changed. “I cannot lead where I do not go,” she says—a philosophy she embodies every day in her work and in her life.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with substance abuse, we encourage you to explore these resources:
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Dial 211: For 24/7, 365 support from mental health specialists offering free crisis support.
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Frederick County Mental Health Association: A Walk-in Crisis Care Center with access to free crisis intervention and emotional, mental, family and relationship support.
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Frederick County Mobile Crisis: 240-566-1967: Free 24/7, 365 face-to-face mental health crisis support. The team will come out to your residence and provide de-escalation, mental health assessments, safety and planning.
“Seeing someone unresponsive and then seeing them full of life—it’s incredible.” – Sara Leishear