The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has honored four of its deputies with Lifesaving Awards for their response to an incident at the jail over the summer.

Speaking to county commissioners Thursday, Undersheriff Greg Sanders said on the night of June 24, deputies on the midnight shift discovered an inmate who has attempted suicide in his dorm. He’d cut his neck shortly after being sentenced to prison. Sanders said Lieutenant Kristin Barker, Sergeant Craig Staneart, Deputy Kendra Warman, and Deputy Ryan Norton each had a role in either restraining the inmate or treating him.

“What was disturbing about this whole incident, that in addition to this significant amount of blood loss, this individual continued to fight with the deputies while this was going on,” Sanders said.

Sheriff Chuck Heit also presented Certificates of Commendation to three additional deputies for their role in responding.

“Their quick response while staying calm, taking immediate control of the situation and being able to provide clear and concise instructions were instrumental in saving a life,” Heit said.

The inmate was taken to Corewell Hospital, where it was confirmed he had cut his internal and external jugular vein and had lost one to two liters of blood. However, surgery saved his life.

Sanders said the calm and attentive response by all involved is a testament to the quality of the sheriff’s department staff.

Photo, L to R: Sergeant Craig Staneart, Lieutenant Kristin Barker, Deputy Kendra Warman. Deputy Ryan Norton not pictured.