Two members of the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office were recognized Tuesday night for their actions in saving the life of fellow law enforcement officer.
Lt. Matthew Saunders and Master Deputy Betty Sawyer were presented Lifesaving Awards during the meeting of the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors in the colonial courthouse.
Mathews County Deputy Byron “Sarge” VanZile had just entered the Gloucester courthouse on Nov. 3 when he had a major cardiac event.
Sawyer noticed VanZile’s strange behavior before falling to the floor, unresponsive and not breathing. She immediately administered CPR and called for assistance over the radio.
Saunders, the supervising deputy in the courthouse, ran to assist Sawyer and called for an AED which advised them to continue with CPR. The two deputies administered CPR until EMS personnel arrived. Before being transported to the hospital, VanZile was breathing and responsive. VanZile was in attendance at Tuesday’s board meeting to thank the officers wh...