CHATHAM – Two Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies have been recognized for quick action and for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Sheriff David Bartlett said K9 Deputy Heath Benansky and Deputy Jason Garvey were off-duty eating dinner at Yiannis at Chatham House in the Village of Chatham. They were sitting next to a man and his wife, who were already eating their meal.
The man started choking on a hamburger and his wife attempted to do the Heimlich maneuver twice; however, the man was still choking and unable to breathe, so the deputies quickly took over and was able to dislodge the food and restore breathing.
The Chatham Rescue Squad responded to the restaurant, but the man did not require any additional medical attention.
Sheriff David Bartlett recognized these two Deputies at the Zone 14 Police Academy graduation this Saturday, which was held at Columbia-Greene Community College.
The Mickles were invited up on stage with the sheriff during the award presentation.
The sheriff presented the deputies with the Lifesaving Award.
