Georgia Sheriff's Deputy Aided by Inmates After Suffering Stroke at Jail
GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia -- A group of inmates recently came to the rescue of a Gwinnett County Sheriff's deputy who suffered a stroke.
Deputy Patrick Edmond was conducting cell searches in the jail housing unit he supervises when the inmates noticed something was wrong, according to a news release.
Edmond feel ill and the inmates helped him to a chair and used his radio and the housing unit phone to call for help and he was flown to Grady Hospital where he received life-saving surgery after doctors determined that he had suffered a stroke.
"Their actions undoubtedly saved Deputy Edmond's life," officials said in a statement. "We're happy to report he has already made a full recovery and is expected to return to duty soon."
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office also recently shared another incident in which Deputy Warren Hobbs suffered a cardiac emergency and the inmates he supervised also came to his rescue.
"The story quickly gained international interest and inspired people around the world," officials said. "It would be very easy to assume there's always an adversarial relationship between law enforcement officers and citizens suspected of committing crimes. Sometimes there is, but many times there is not."
Officials said that the two incidents reflect the respect most inmates have for their deputies because of how they're treated in the jail.
"They know we work hard to keep them safe and sometimes they get to return the favor," they said. "We appreciate them and thank them for their efforts."
