Every day, the nation’s Law Enforcement officers work to make our communities and citizens safer – both on and off duty. The following is an example of a Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy who acted quickly to help a citizen in-distress and likely saved a life.

“On Sunday March 3, 2019 at approximately 5:00 PM my family and I were at the Las Cruces Mall shopping. My wife and daughter were at the Ulta make-up store standing in a check-out line. I was just outside waiting. As I sat down, I heard a man yelling for help. I immediately got up and went to him. He was standing in front of an elderly woman who he stated was his grandmother. She was cold to the touch; her eyes were open. I asked what her name was; he said ‘Gloria’. I called out her name with no response. I checked her carotid artery to see if she had a pulse, she did not. I picked her up from the bench and laid her on the floor. I did a quick assessment to see if she was breathing and called her by name again while shaking her gently. There was no response. I immediately started Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

After giving the initial chest compressions she regained consciousness. She asked me how she got to the floor, I advised her I placed her there to give her CPR. She didn't remember much and stated she saw black. Her grandson had called ‘911.’

EMS arrived on scene shortly thereafter. I was wearing a Thin Blue Line shirt and her grandson asked if I was Law Enforcement, I said I am a Sergeant with the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Another grandson was present and gave me a hug and thanked me. They told me their family was from Deming, NM. The security guard took my name for his report, and we then left. My kids called me a hero, I told them…"I was just doing my job.”

To Serve and Protect.