Union County First Responders Honored for Saving Lives in Two Cardiac Emergencies

(Photo provided by UCSO)

Pictured L-R: Chief Deputy Josh Berry, Sheriff Shawn Dyer, Deputy CJ Townsend, Sgt. Michael Kearns, Lt. Travis Gibson, FF/Paramedic Kyle Mead, AEMT Amber Pruitt, Paramedic Derrick Pruitt, Deputy Buck Stover, Kim Stover. Not Pictured - FF Adam Podber

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — Union County Sheriff Shawn Dyer on Friday presented Certificates of Merit for lifesaving actions to seven first responders during the county commissioners meeting, recognizing their roles in two separate medical emergencies that restored patients’ pulses.

The first incident occurred June 27 at the residence of Deputy Buck Stover. Stover, who was home with his wife, Kimberly, suffered a medical emergency that progressed to full cardiac arrest. Union County Fire and EMS personnel and Union General EMS crews arrived and administered lifesaving measures that revived him. Stover has fully recovered and returned to work.

Those recognized for the response were Union County Fire Lt. Travis Gibson, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Mead, Firefighter Adam Podber, Union General EMS Paramedic Derrick Pruitt and AEMT Amber Pruitt. Each received a Union County Sheriff’s Office Certificate of Merit – Lifesaving Award.

In a second incident in July at a residence off Trackrock Gap Road, a 911 call reported an unresponsive woman. Sgt. Michael Kearns and Deputy C.J. Townsend, both certified EMTs and volunteer firefighters, were nearby, overheard the call and responded. They found the woman in full cardiac arrest.

Kearns began CPR while Townsend retrieved an automated external defibrillator he carries in his patrol car and delivered a shock. The deputies continued care until EMS arrived. The patient regained a pulse as EMS reached the scene and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition.

Dyer awarded both deputies Certificates of Merit – Lifesaving Awards along with Commendation Medals to be worn on their uniforms. Officials noted the deputies arrived several minutes before Fire/EMS units, providing critical early intervention.

The sheriff’s office said the recognitions highlight the rapid, coordinated efforts of local law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.