JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --
A deputy working at the Bradford County Courthouse entrance early Tuesday afternoon collapsed from an apparent heart attack, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Two co-workers were present during the incident about 12:20 p.m. and called for assistance. A few moments later Sgt. George Konkel arrived with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)and used it on the fallen deputy. The deputy, whose name was not released, was stabilized enough to be transported to a hospital in Gainesville where his condition was still being assessed late Friday afternoon.
His doctors have advised the use of the AED was the single most important factor keeping him alive prior to arrival at the hospital.
Since taking office, Bradford Sheriff Gordon Smith worked with the Bradford County Health Department in securing a grant to purchase AEDs for his patrol officers, communications center and the jail.
“I knew the importance of having these incredible lifesaving instruments available to the public; however I am truly thankful to have one readily available today to help save the life of one of our own BCSO family members," Smith said in a statement issued by his department. "May God bless him and his family during this difficult time.”
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