On Wednesday, July 1, in a ceremony attended by family, friends and Sheriff’s Office personnel, Sheriff Mark Hunter awarded Deputy Anthony Cortese the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Medal for his actions on February 24, 2020.
Deputy Cortese was working as a School Resource Deputy at Lake City Middle School that February day when an emergency call came over the school’s radio that a maintenance worker had fallen from a ladder.
Deputy Cortese rushed to the area and saw several people around the maintenance worker, Jim Osburn, who was laying on the ground in distress. Mr. Osburn was not breathing and had no pulse so Deputy Cortese began administering CPR. The school nurse joined him in this life saving procedure by giving rescue breaths and using an AED. After the AED and CPR, Mr. Osburn regained a pulse.
Deputy Cortese and the nurse were relieved by emergency medical personnel that flew Mr. Osburn to Gainesville where he eventually recovered. Medical personnel agreed that the life saving methods used at the school greatly contributed to the survival of Mr. Osburn.
“I’m so happy Mr. Osburn is with us today” Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “His life is a testament to what good training and quick action can produce in emergencies of this nature.”
Deputy Cortese and Mr. Jim Osburn embrass during the cerimony
