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Perry County correctional officer honored for saving inmate's life

Perry County Correctional Officer Richard Emling was named the 2019 Correctional Officer of the Year on Feb. 3 for his heroic actions last August.

At about 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 19, the control room of the Perry County Jail was buzzed from J block. An inmate was reported to be bleeding and having some problems.

Corrections Officer Richard Emling responded to the call and observed an inmate lying face down in a large pool of blood, from what would later be determined to be a self-inflicted wound.

Emling immediately called for backup and for dispatch to send an ambulance. Emling had the cell opened and found the inmate unresponsive face down between the toilet and his bunk.

He picked up the inmate and and placed him on his back in the middle of the cell, where he noticed the inmate was not breathing. Nor could he find a pulse.

Emling immediately started CPR. After 10 to 15 compressions the inmate opened his eyes and began breathing on his own. As Emling and CO Christi Asbury searched for the wound, the inmate went in and out of consciousness. Emling continued to do sternum rubs and kept talking with the inmate.

An ambulance arrived at 6:52 p.m. and the EMTs cut the inmate's clothing off to find the wound. On-duty deputy William Reagan brought a tourniquet and it was applied to stop the bleeding.

If not for the quick response of CO Richard Emling the inmate would have died. The inmate survived, but is no longer housed in the Perry County Jail.

Emling, who lives in Pinckneyville, was awarded the departmental lifesaving badge for his actions. He has been with Perry County since 2018.

The Illinois Sheriffs' Association would like to thank Emling for his heroic actions and dedication to the members of his community.