Two APSO deputies receive life-saving awards

     GONZALES – On Dec. 1, Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley presented two deputies with lifesaving awards for their heroic efforts while on duty.

     Deputy Brian Hughes and Deputy Roman Barthelomew were presented with the awards by Sheriff Wiley and Lt. Col. Bobby Webre during a staff meeting on Tuesday morning. Both deputies were honored for their dedication and professionalism for their heroic actions.

     On Nov. 7, 2015, Deputy Hughes responded to a traffic accident on I-10 where a vehicle left the roadway and traveled into the marshy wood line and became submerged due to recent flooding in the area. Witnesses to the accident were unable to locate the vehicle however Deputy Hughes quickly located the submerged vehicle. Deputy Hughes, along with Sorrento Fire personnel, attached a winch to the vehicle and partially removed it from the water. While removing the vehicle, Deputy Hughes said he could hear the screams of the trapped survivor. Deputy Hughes and fire personnel assisted with the safe removal and rescue of the occupant from the vehicle and prevented the loss of a life.

     A couple of days later on Nov. 9, Deputy Roman Barthelomew responded to an overturned, submerged vehicle on I-10 near Sorrento. Deputy Barthelomew recognized that an occupant of the vehicle was trapped inside. Without hesitation, Deputy Barthelomew entered the canal where he and first responders assisted in holding the rear of the vehicle out of the water, allowing the driver a pocket of air until being extricated.

     Deputy Hughes is assigned to the East Patrol Division and began his career with the APSO in Dec. 2011. He started out as a corrections officer and was assigned to the patrol division in Nov. 2013. Deputy Barthelomew began his career with the APSO in June 2012. He was assigned to the West Patrol Division on Nov. 2013.