Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Detention Recognition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Polk County honors detention officers for life-saving response at county detention center
Summary
Polk County recognized multiple correctional officers for saving an inmate’s life after an overdose; officers performed chest compressions, administered multiple doses of naloxone and coordinated emergency services, the court heard during its April meeting.
Polk County commissioners and court members recognized a team of correctional officers for a life-saving response at the Polk County Detention Center after an inmate became unresponsive, officials said during the April meeting.
Judge Ben Cross asked Captain Rowdy Sweet to present a life‑saving award to the officers involved. The certificate read by a court speaker listed Sergeant Stout, Sergeant Herron, Sarah Rose, John McClain, Alexander Gregory (not present, on deployment), Brandon Coleman, Jacob Duncan, Terry Blankenship, Ashley Bradley and Deanna Philpots for performing chest compressions and coordinating with emergency medical services on Feb. 2, 2025. The reading described the officers’ actions as “commendable and appreciated.”
A correctional officer who responded described how the inmate arrived with erratic behavior and was booked for public intoxication. The officer said that approximately four hours after intake the person was found unresponsive during routine cell checks and responders performed chest compressions. The officer said, “I administered 1 Narcan, and then they had to do 5 more,” and that additional doses were reportedly administered in the ambulance.
Why it matters: court members emphasized that life-saving interventions by detention staff preserved an in-custody life and said the recognition was appropriate even though many of the officers would be on shift later in the week when the court would otherwise have presented awards.
Court members and attendees applauded the officers and invited family members forward for a photograph. Judge Cross and other speakers thanked the officers for their dedication to Polk County and the community.
