Detention Officers and an inmate health nurse at the Union County Jail are being honored with Union County’s Lifesaver Award for jumping into action to save a man’s life. 

During the evening hours of August 27, 2022, Detention Officers were called to help a 43-year-old unconscious man in a public hallway just outside of the Union County Magistrates Office. Union County Sheriff's Office (UCSO) detention officers saw the man while releasing another inmate from custody and noted that the man’s skin was blue and he was not breathing. Officers immediately used their training and lowered him to the floor and began CPR while calling for additional assistance from onsite medical staff and Union EMS. The officers on scene who were administering life-saving CPR recognized the signs and symptoms being displayed by the man as a narcotics overdose. They quickly called for medical staff to bring Naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan. 

After numerous rounds of CPR and medical staff administering Narcan, the man began to breathe again and regained consciousness. Detention officers involved in this life-saving event learned that the man who overdosed had been released from custody earlier in the evening. He had left the area for a period of time, and returned to the Magistrate’s hallway just before the incident occurred. 

"The actions of these officers and our nurse are the very definition of a lifesaver and why we have this award," said County Manager Mark Watson. "I am proud of their collaboration when seconds mattered to give this man a second chance." 

Sheriff Eddie Cathey said, “The quick thinking and willingness to act demonstrated by our officers and the medical team onsite is the reason this man is alive today. I am glad that our officers and medical staff were in the right place at the right time and were properly trained to identify this medical emergency and to render aid which ultimately saved this man’s life.” Sheriff Cathey would like to formally recognize the deputies, detention officers, and medical staff who played an integral part in the preservation of life during this event. 

Life-Saving Team 
UCSO Sgt. A. Xavier
UCSO Sgt. K. Martin
UCSO Detention Officer Marquavius Mcgriff
UCSO Detention Officer Katelyn Gaughran
UCSO Detention Officer Greyson Godwin
Union County Public Health Nurse Frank Speer 

Point of contact for this press release is Lt. James Maye (704)506-6843