Sheriff honors jail nurses and deputies for life‑saving response to inmate self‑injury

HENDERSON COUNTY — Sheriff Bobby Hillhouse publicly recognized detention officers and nursing staff for their response to a June 28 incident at the Henderson County Jail in which an inmate attempted to harm himself, saying the staff’s quick actions stabilized the individual and preserved his life. Hillhouse described receiving a photo from nursing staff of “what they were dealing with” and said he initially feared the inmate would not survive given the apparent blood loss. He praised the corrections staff and nurses for acting 'with calm professionalism' and for stabilizing and treating the injury. "You saw a person in crisis and chose action over apathy," Hillhouse said. At the commissioners’ court, Hillhouse called up and named the personnel receiving life‑saving awards: Sergeant Maria McCarley; Corporal George Quigg; Deputy Cliff Arnold; Deputy Landon Armstrong; Detention Officers Marcus Rice, Caleb Blaine, Emily Rodriguez, Caleb Taylor Caldwell; and nurses Tiffany Marino, Jackie Norris and Truly (last name not provided in public remarks). Hillhouse said the inmate is alive and was transferred to a different facility. He said such awards are uncommon in his 27 years of service because often responders arrive too late; he thanked the jail team and the court expressed appreciation as well. The court allowed a photo of the award recipients after the presentation.