Crockett County Deputy saves life with quick action during cardiac arrest incident

Crockett County Deputy Saves Life with Quick Action During Cardiac Arrest Incident

CROCKETT COUNTY, TN – June 13, 2025 – A heroic response by Deputy Richard Buntin of the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the successful resuscitation of a victim experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. While at a business near the county line to meet up with a Dyer County Deputy to transfer an inmate into our custody, Deputy Buntin was in the right place at the right time when he witnessed the emergency unfold.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Deputy Buntin enlisted the help of a nearby bystander to immediately initiate CPR. He then radioed for an ambulance while retrieving an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his patrol car. Deputy Buntin administered three defibrillation shocks prior to the arrival of Crockett County Ambulance Service, who continued resuscitation efforts until a pulse was restored. Friendship Fire Department and additional deputies arrived on scene to assist as well.

The quick actions of Deputy Buntin and the bystander not only showcased the importance of community involvement in emergency situations but also highlighted the life-saving capabilities of the AEDs carried by our law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Troy N. Klyce commended Deputy Buntin’s efforts, stating, “Thanks to the generous support from Friends of Heart, our county has implemented a program to ensure every patrol car is equipped with an AED. This incident underscores the vital importance of these devices and the training our deputies receive in emergency response. Deputy Buntin’s quick thinking and decisive action undoubtedly saved a life, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. It is very important to me that our deputies have every tool and resource necessary to effectively serve the citizens.”

He further stated, “Having these devices readily available in our community can make all the difference when it comes to saving lives.”

In recognition of Deputy Buntin’s heroic actions, Sheriff Klyce will present him with a letter of commendation for his life-saving efforts during this critical situation.

“This type of response is what we train for,” said Deputy Buntin. “I am grateful for the support of the bystander and the rapid response from our local EMS team. They are simply an unbelievable group of true professionals. Together, we were able to make a real difference.”

When our emergency services agencies operate as one team, our citizens receive all the benefits.

The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enhancing public safety through effective training, swift emergency responses, and community partnerships.

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