Putnam County Sheriff’s Office honors deputies with 2025 Life Saving Awards

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 4:04 PM

By Staff report

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes Deputy Scott Ducker and Deputy Josh Deal as recipients of the 2025 Life Saving Awards for their decisive and heroic actions during separate motorcycle crash incidents earlier this year.

On June 7, Deputy Ducker responded to a serious motorcycle crash and encountered a rider suffering from a traumatic arm injury with life-threatening blood loss. Deputy Ducker immediately applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding, stabilizing the victim until emergency medical personnel arrived. His swift actions were critical in saving the rider’s life.

Several months later, on September 1, Deputy Deal responded to another motorcycle crash involving a severe arm injury. Relying on his training and equipment, Deputy Deal properly applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, once again preventing a potentially fatal outcome.

While tourniquets have been used in emergency medicine for centuries, their integration into modern law enforcement equipment has become an essential part of daily patrol readiness. These incidents highlight the importance of preparedness, training, and decisive action in emergency situations.

“Deputies Ducker and Deal exemplify the highest standards of service and professionalism,” said Sheriff Baugh. “Their quick thinking, training, and willingness to act without hesitation saved lives. I am extremely proud of their dedication to protecting the citizens and visitors of Putnam County.”

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is honored to recognize Deputies Ducker and Deal for their lifesaving efforts and their unwavering commitment to public safety.