Inmates on Work Crew Save Deputy's Life

"According to EMS responders, the inmates' quick thinking and immediate action help to save the deputy's life" -Lt. Mary Lindstrand, MCSO

46-year old James Robert Parker, serving time for Contempt of Court, and 45-year old Michael Wayne Smith, down on an Assault charge, thought fast and helped save a deputy's life on a jail work crew. Photo courtesy: MCSO

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office inmate work crew helped save a deputy's life‏ Friday. Lt. Mary Lindstrand, Public Information Officer with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, says around 3:00 p.m. Friday, an MCSO Corrections deputy was overcome with medical complications while he and his inmate work crew were rendering aid to a stranded motorist.

"The deputy was given medical assistance by his two work crew inmates and an unidentified Good Samaritan. The inmates used the stranded motorist's cell phone to call 911."

Lindstrand says the inmates started CPR with verbal assistance from a 911 dispatcher. The Good Samaritan, who was a medical doctor, also assisted with treatment until EMS arrived. The deputy was transported by AMR to a nearby hospital.

The deputy is a 25-year veteran of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. His family has asked that his name not be released at this time. The deputy is listed in guarded condition in the ICU.

The inmates that rendered assistance were 46-year old James Robert Parker, serving time for Contempt of Court, and 45-year old Michael Wayne Smith, who is incarcerated on an Assault conviction. Each of the men weigh 225 pounds. Parker also stands 6'5".

"According to EMS responders, the inmates' quick thinking and immediate action help to save the deputy's life," Lindstrand said.