On Thursday, August 7, Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett formally recognized Corrections Deputy Timothy Higgins for his decisive and life-saving actions during a medical emergency inside the Hamilton County Jail last fall.
The incident occurred in October 2024, when an inmate suffered a drug overdose while in custody. Working swiftly alongside his colleagues, Deputy Higgins administered CPR, delivered Narcan, and assisted with ventilation using an Ambu-Bag to stabilize the inmate before paramedics arrived.
While Higgins was unable to attend the original commendation ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, his fellow officers–Corrections Sergeant Jeremy Poteet and Corrections Deputies Hunter Whaley and Brandon Muhleback–had previously been honored for their roles in the same incident.
Sheriff Garrett emphasized the importance of the team’s rapid, coordinated response.
“The swift and professional actions of these deputies, along with the timely use of CPR and Narcan, were critical in saving this inmate’s life,” Garrett said. “Please join the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in commending Corrections Deputy Timothy Higgins and his team for their dedication, composure under pressure, and commitment to the safety and well-being of those in their care.” The HCSO noted that situations like this reinforce the ongoing importance of emergency preparedness and specialized training for corrections staff, both to safeguard the lives of inmates and to maintain the safety of the jail environment.