Board recognizes life savers and hears about new jail
Plumas County emergency responders proved that saving a life has nothing to do with a uniform after three off-the-clock responders and one citizen helped saved lives this year in the county.
Four individuals were honored at the regular Board of Supervisors’ meeting Jan. 16 with lifesaving awards from the HEARTsafe Communities Program for their quick response to cardiac arrest patients. Bobby Cotter, with Plumas County Search and Rescue; Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Grant, Johanna Oliver, with the Quincy Fire Department; and Feather River Fitness Center employee Matt Warndorf were acknowledged at the meeting.
Cotter and Grant where recognized by Sheriff Greg Hagwood for their quick response at Safeway in Quincy on Dec. 17.
Cotter, who is an employee at Safeway, was called on the intercom to help an individual who was in cardiac arrest. Grant was shopping in the store and they both commenced CPR on the individual until emergency responders arrived.
“The individual is alive today as a result of your quick response, actions and dedication to your fellow community members,” said Hagwood.
Sam Blesse, the EMS supervisor for Careflight in Quincy, presented awards to Oliver and Warndorf for their quick emergency response at the fitness center in Quincy. A man was in cardiac arrest in the hot tub at the fitness center, where both Oliver and Warndorf work. They began CPR on the individual and resuscitated him with an onsite defibrillator.
“You guys had no duty to act, but you did. So we want to recognize that,” said Blesse.
Jail progress report
Sheriff Hagwood also updated the board on the progress of the new jail. In June 2017, the county was awarded $25 million to develop a new correctional facility. The jail will be on the same property as the existing jail in Quincy, however, it will be on a different part of the property to help facilitate traffic and visitor flow.
The new jail will have up to 62 beds, which Hagwood said is a little less than the capacity of the current jail, which is 67 beds. However, Hagwood said the lack of resources at the current jail prevents full capacity use of the jail. Previous reports by the sheriff have said the jail will be ready for occupancy around October 2020.
Search and Rescue in Plumas County is beyond exception, they are always ready with the best leadership and equipment, they always do an awesome job. Thanks for recognizing that.
Bobby C. is the man, even though he looks like an inmate in the photo.