10/13/2026
As some people have seen, there was a recent article in the newspaper about the Cherokee County Lifesaver Award that was given to 4 individuals that worked together to save a life on August 16, 2026. The Emergency Management Association originally posted the article online because, frankly, we usually operate in the background! The story was picked up from there, but it only mentioned 1 of 4 that received the award.... What about the other 3!?
Hopefully, I show daily how important transparency is to me! It is incredibly important to me that those who deserve recognition, receive it! So, please allow me share the story with you!
Kaylee Petty, Dispatcher (far right)- Kaylee did a phenomenal job in staying cool and calm under pressure. She knew what to do and when to do it! She contacted the right people to get them to the right place and put them in contact with who needed to be contacted!
Deputy Isaiah "Ike" Isaacs, (far left) Deputy Isaacs said something to me when I pulled on scene at 4:00am that stuck with me. "Chances are she's long gone, got a ride or something. But man, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do everything I possibly could, and call out everyone I could think of to look for her." That is pure professionalism and dedication at its finest. It was late, he could have called it- but he didn't. When the drone got in the air and we made a confident find within 60 seconds- I couldn't get the words she's right there out of my mouth before he was on a full on sprint through the ditch and into the dark cornfield.
Detective J'quelin "Jackie” Stephens- Marcus Police Department (second from left)- (Yes, it's Jacqueline- but, if you know, you know!) Detective Stephens and Deputy Isaacs were working at the Marcus Fair when the call came in. She made the decision to help with the search, even though she didn't have to. She could have easily said "good luck, Ike" and gone home for the night. Jackie was in the corn seconds after Deputy Isaacs.
I was blessed to watch the entire event through the drone camera. I tried to hold it at an altitude where the landing lights would turn on, to provide enough light for them to work, and I am completely humbled by what I witnessed! The pure determination and concentration that Detective Stephens showed the entire time was nothing short of amazing. Her attention to detail and devotion to the patient was like nothing I have ever witnessed before! It was a pleasure for me to see such professionalism!
Deputy Isaacs and Detective Stephens worked tirelessly together for the common goal. It wasn't the Marcus Police Department and the Sheriff's Office, it was 2 agencies working together as one! Together, they were able to revive the patient (who was very near the end), move her from cornfield to the roadside where the ambulance was able to meet them. The two of them saved a life- together!
The patient was airlifted from the scene and received the care she needed. I am happy to report that she has made a full recovery and has even visited the Sheriff's Office and the Marcus Police Department to show her gratitude!
There it is folks, to the best of my memory. If you have the opportunity to see any of these amazing people, please take a second and thank them for the service they provide to the community. They don't always hear it enough!
Congratulations to all involved with this call. Sometimes, it all falls into place and the best possible outcome is achieved!
