Blair deputy sheriffs recognized for life-saving efforts
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County deputy sheriffs were recognized Tuesday for measures that saved the life of a local woman who became unconscious in December while being transported in the deputies' cruiser.
U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-13th District, stopped at the courthouse Tuesday to deliver a citation, entered into the Congressional Record, recognizing deputy sheriffs Christopher Hanna and Brandon Lasure for assessing the woman's condition and providing doses of naloxone.
The woman, who was revived upon receiving the second dose, later revealed that she ingested heroin upon seeing the deputies approach her location in Tyrone to arrest her.
Hanna, who accepted the citation from Joyce, recalled that he and Lasure had pulled over along Interstate 99, south of the Pinecroft exit, after suspecting that the woman in the back seat was in danger.
Hanna said that she showed "no effect" after receiving the first dose of naloxone.
"That's when I got a little nervous," the deputy recalled.
After the second dose, he said the woman stirred and slowly opened her eyes, revealing small pupils which he recognized as a sign that she was overdosing.
As the summoned paramedics arrived, Hanna said the woman took a deep breath.
"Yeah, I was very relieved," he said Tuesday. "That's when I knew it was going to be all right."
Joyce expressed his gratitude to Hanna and to fellow deputy sheriff Lasure, who has moved onto another job and was unable to attend Tuesday's presentation.
"They followed their training to the letter," the congressman said.
Sheriff James Ott described the deputies' skill and training as "second to none."
Ott recalled his own concern that developed as he listened to his deputies radio for an ambulance and describe what they were addressing. He said he picked up on the concern in their voices before the woman's revival led to relief.
"If not for the swift actions and skilled training of these deputies, this female would have joined the statistics, (as) another life taken by the opioid overdose epidemic we face today across this nation," Ott said.
The people of Blair County, Joyce said, should be grateful to the deputies and the actions they were able to take.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.