On Friday, March 1in a ceremony attended by family, friends and Sheriff’s Office personnel, Sheriff Mark Hunter awarded six deputies, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Medal for their involvement in four separate incidents.
Sergeant Randy Harrison was awarded the Lifesaving Medal for his actions on October 2, 2018 when he saved a choking toddler. Sergeant Harrison was dining at a local restaurant when he noticed a child choking and turning blue. Sergeant Harrison took the child, administered back blows which dislodged food that was blocking his airway. The parents of the child credited Sergeant Harrison’s intervention with saving their child’s life.
Deputies David Widergren and Shane Hartopp were awarded the Lifesaving Medal for their actions on October 3, 2018 when they saved the life of an adult male who had his throat slashed. The deputies responded to a disturbance outside an area convenience store. As they arrived, they witnessed a female cut the throat of the victim. Simultaneously, while arresting the suspect and making the scene safe for emergency medical personnel, they administered first aid to the victim who was bleeding profusely.
Deputy Matthew Montemurno was awarded the Lifesaving Medal for his actions on October 31, 2018 when he saved a choking infant. Deputy Montemurno was first on scene at a call of a choking 10-month old. He performed back blows and partially dislodged the item blocking the airway. The child was taken to the hospital where the ER physician was able to totally remove the object.
Sergeant Ronnie Daniels and Detention Deputy Sirena Davison were awarded the Lifesaving Medal for their actions on November 21, 2018 when they saved a suicidal inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility. The inmate attempted suicide by hanging. Sergeant Daniels and Deputy Davison entered the cell and with Sergeant Daniels lifting the unconscious inmate, Deputy Davison was able to untie and remove the materiel around the inmate’s neck. Lifesaving first aid was administered while waiting for emergency medical personnel.
We would like to congratulate all these lifesaving heroes on their awards. All have brought great credit on themselves, CCSO family, and law enforcement as a whole.
“I’m extremely proud of the each of these deputies.” Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “I want to personally thank each of you for carrying out our greatest mission, to help people!
