NEWS RELEASE 20-117 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

From left: Deputy Holly Forrester, Deputy Ryan Wenger, Sergeant Ben Lubrano, 
and Deputy Brandon Burnside with Sheriff Tom Knight

Sheriff Tom Knight today presented four deputies with the Life Saving Award to recognize their merit and dedication to duty and service to the community.

 

Sergeant Ben Lubrano and Deputy Ryan Wenger are recognized for their efforts in successfully bringing a man back to life after he overdosed on heroin. On June 2, 2020, deputies responded to a house in northern Sarasota County for an unconscious patient with a fading pulse. Deputy Wenger deployed three doses of Naloxone and began performing CPR with Sergeant Lubrano. Working together, the duo completed four cycles of chest compressions before the man finally regained a pulse. Paramedics soon arrived and transported the patient to the hospital for treatment. Sarasota County Fire Department personnel confirmed the sustained efforts of Sergeant Lubrano and Deputy Wenger led to a positive outcome for the patient.

Deputies Brandon Burnside and Holly Forrester received the Life Saving Award for their efforts to save the life of a woman who overdosed on heroin. On April 13, 2020, deputies responded to a Sarasota home where they found the patient without a pulse and immediately rendered aid. Deputy Burnside deployed his agency-issued naloxone and both deputies began CPR. They quickly reassessed the patient’s status and deployed a second dose of naloxone after noticing she was still in distress. The woman eventually regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital by paramedics. If not for the quick actions of Deputies Burnside and Forrester, the victim would likely not have survived.

 

“I am extremely proud of these dedicated individuals who serve their community through actions of bravery," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "Their courage and sacrifice are to be commended as each exemplifies the vision and values of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.”