Saving the life of a senior citizen who apparently choked at a restaurant earned Deputy Michael Sparkman honors as Officer of the Month for July from Ford of Murfreesboro.  Robert Rickman reports...

VERBATIM

Booking Deputy Sparkman was off duty and eating with his family at a Murfreesboro restaurant when the senior citizen’s wife called for help. Deputy Sparkman acted swiftly and used his first responder training to help clear the senior citizen’s airway.

David Lee, owner and manager of Ford of Murfreesboro, gave Deputy Sparkman an engraved watch as Officer of the Month for July.

“It is officers such as Deputy Michael Sparkman that make me so proud about living in this community,” Lee said. “Off duty and enjoying time with his family, Deputy Sparkman still leaped into action when needed to save a life. I commend this Officer for his quick thinking and reaction time. He is truly a hero.  Robert Rickman WGNS news.

Lt. Chris Deal, who nominated Deputy Sparkman, said witnesses reported the deputy used the Heimlich maneuver and another procedure that saved the man’s life. 

Sheriff Robert Arnold said first responder class is part of the annual in-service training required at the Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m proud of Deputy Sparkman for using his training to save a senior citizen’s life,” Sheriff Arnold said.

Source: 

Lisa Marchesoni, Public information officer - Rutherford County Sheriff's Office