Recognizing Deputy Chris Downey

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the service of one of my constituents, Deputy Chris Downey, of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. On February 13, 2024 Deputy Downey responded, along with School Guardian Brent Coleman, to a 13 year-old student having a medical emergency in a common area at the school which is at the base of a large set of stairs. The student was found face down and unresponsive to verbal or physical stimulus. Due to the perceived method of injury (fall) the student was carefully rolled to his back while maintaining control of his head and neck. The student was found to have an erratic pulse and was not breathing. CPR was initiated and an AED and EMS was requested. Upon application of the AED, a shock was recommended. Shock was applied by the device and CPR continued. This and two additional cycles were completed before a non-shockable rhythm was established. The student was air-lifted to a children's trauma center where he underwent a procedure to correct the medical condition. Investigation revealed that the initial assumption of a fall was incorrect. The child had navigated the stairs just fine and collapsed after exiting the stairs due to a previously undiagnosed medical condition. The child has since returned to school and is in good spirits. It has been well-established that, without the swift actions of both Deputy Downey and School Guardian Brent Coleman, this child would not have survived this medical episode. This is just one example of the hard work, dedication, eagerness to help, and servant leadership that Deputy Downey exhibits every day he comes to work. Deputy Downey is a shining example of what it means to be a Hernando County Law Enforcement Officer. His work ethic should be a benchmark for which other law enforcement officers should strive to attain. It is evident that Deputy Downey has made a profoundly positive impact on our community and is qualified to be recognized as a First Responder of the Year for Florida's 12th Congressional District.

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