By Scott Berson
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
POLK COUNTY, Ga. — Polk County Sheriff Johnny Moats will reduce the sentences of the six inmates who helped save a correctional officer’s life after he collapsed last week.
“Anytime we have a trustee or inmate crew that goes beyond normal duties, we cut them some extra time off,” Moats told WXIA.
It was about 76 degrees outside with 100 percent humidity when the officer, who asked not to be identified, collapsed while supervising a work detail. Six of the inmates immediately started to render aid.
The deputy told WXIA that he suffers from a Chiari malformation, which can cause a variety of medical problems.
The inmates removed his shirt and bulletproof vest to help cool him off and so that they could begin CPR if needed. Another inmate grabbed the officer’s phone and dialed 911.
Paramedics and other officers soon arrived and took over from the inmates.
The six inmates who assisted the deputy received a free lunch in the park and desserts baked by the officer’s family members.
The reduced time is the latest reward for the inmate’s quick actions.
“That moment when they’re out, they’re not really inmates to you,” the deputy told WXIA. “They’re just a group of guys and you’re out. You try to be more like friends and in my case, it just worked out for the better.”
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