deputy earns Life Savers Award

Convincing a suicidal man not take his own life earned a Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy the Life Savers’ Award.

Patrol Deputy Jason Brown received the Life Savers’ Award from Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh during a ceremony Wednesday at the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Chief Egon Grissom said Brown responded to the call where he found the man attempting to take his life April 25 off State Route 96 (Franklin Highway). The deputy physically stepped in and after a period of time convinced the man to stop his actions. The man was treated at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Due to Deputy Brown’s lack of hesitation and through his quick actions, he was able to save the man’s life.

“I believe that Deputy Brown in this situation put himself at the risk of injury in order to save this individual’s life and we here at the Sheriff’s Office commend him for the actions he took,” Grissom said.

Deputies sign up for the job to help people and make a positive impact.

“On rare occasions, some of us are able to have a huge impact on a person’s life, whether they like it or not, by saving their life,” Grissom said.

Sheriff Fitzhugh thanked Brown for his efforts.

“Saving a life is one of the noblest actions a law enforcement officer can take,” Fitzhugh said. “We commend Deputy Brown for his commitment to saving this man’s life.”

Brown received the award in the presence of wife, Jessica, daughter, Kaitlyn, and son, Jackson, along with co-workers.

He joined the Sheriff’s Office in August 2013.