Bernie Tolliver, a tipstaff for Northampton County Courts, suffered a heart attack after arraignment court on September 7. It happened in the right place. Deputy sheriffs receive a great deal of training in first aid. Toliver's pulse stopped for 10 minutes while deputy sheriffs worked feverishly to revive him, administering CPR and oxygen. Tolliver told County Council last night that he was dead, but they refused to give up on him.
When Tolliver was transported to St. Luke's, he had a weak pulse. But doctors worried about brain damage because his heart had stopped for so long. There was none. Medical professionals dubbed him Miracle Man.
Miracle Man made it a point last night to thank the entire "Northampton County family" for their kindness and offers of help during his medical ordeal. This included bedside visits from Judges Michael Koury, Jennifer Sletvold and Paula Roscioli. But his biggest appreciation was for the eight deputy sheriffs who fought to keep him alive.
All received commendations last night. Sheriff Richard Johnson thanked County Council for providing the funding that permits the training that deputies receive.
The individuals commended are as follows: Tipstaff Youssef Melhem; Lieutenant George Volpe; Lieutenant Justin Washousky; Sergeant James Riley; Sergeant Ethan Segreaves; Sergeant Michael Weston; Deputy Sheriff Luis Adames; Deputy Sheriff Scott Kuehner; Deputy Sheriff Jesus Ortega; Deputy Sheriff Jason Urban; and Administrative Specialist Carol Dietrich-Soffera.
UPDATED 11:11 to include names of those commended.
Wow, almost too amazing for words. Kudos to all who mde this possible, and especially to those deputies who did not give up in their efforts to save a fellow human being.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute. The best part of this long meeting. Don't mind long meetings, but the drama about the IT portion, OMG.
ReplyDeleteWe’re the names released of these hero deputies?
ReplyDeleteThanks for recognizing their heroism.
It goes to show how tone-deaf Sheriff Johnson really is when he deliberately thanked an imaginary funding entity instead of the Deputies involved in the actual saving of a life.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Deputies, even though it took a month for Lamont to recognize your efforts, we know he had to inconveniently fit you into his busy schedule.
I considered not publishing the ugly comment at 9:39 but decided to post it to show readers that mot all deputies are decent people. Some are real scumbags, like 9:39.
ReplyDeleteThis incident happened 9/6. The recognition occurred on 10/6, which is pretty fast considering Tolliver was hospitalized.
The funding did not come from an imaginary funding entity but county council. They fund the training without which the deputies would be unable to act. Sheriff Johnson was smart to thank Council, something 9:39 is not.
Oh, Bernie…
DeleteCPR training and proficiency is a continuing education requirement to be in good standing of the ACT 2 in the state of Pennsylvania. Whether we get this “funding” from county council or the dwarfs of the Lord of The Rings, it’s REQUIRED so yeah, no one is doing the Deputies any favors…
Yes, they were all identified. I did not post the names bc I am getting the spelling correct first. I was forwarded a pic and will update with that and the names next week.
ReplyDelete11:03, It is unfortunate that the deputies include assholes like you. Fortunately, you are the exception, not the rule. You should consider employment elsewhere bc all yiu do is tarnish the reputation of people like the deputies who were involved.
ReplyDeleteThe Northampton County Sheriffs are highly trained and underutilized! They are an asset to the people of Northampton County! Great Job Deputies!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bernie, for publicizing the heroic and professional actions of our dedicated public servants.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless this man and the people who saved him. Nice tribute to real heroes. Don't know why everything has to be turned into a McClure photo-op but I guess that is how he rolls.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all involved. A good story with a great ending.
ReplyDelete