Sheriff’s deputy awarded for saving life of Earle man

Stabbing victim expected to make full recovery due to deputy’s efforts

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Deputy Alec Carpenter was honored with a Life Saving Award last week by Crittenden County Sheriff Mike Allen for his heroic actions on the morning of July 22. Deputies received a call regarding a 23-year-old Earle resident who had been stabbed.

The closest EMS station, located in Marion over 20 miles away, responded promptly. Deputy Alec Carpenter and Sgt. Johnathan Hollowell were the first law enforcement officials to arrive on the scene. Deputy Carpenter assessed the victim and quickly realized that the man had agonal respirations and no pulse. Without hesitation, Deputy Carpenter initiated CPR procedures.

CEMS Director Hallum arrived on the scene shortly after and began providing advanced life support care. Deputy Carpenter continued administering CPR even after Director Hallum arrived, allowing for life-saving procedures to be performed.

The patient regained a pulse after Director Hallum placed a breathing tube and performed a needle decompression to relieve a major tension pneumothorax. CEMS Unit 128 arrived to continue patient care and transported the man to Regional One Trauma Center where he was expected to make a full recovery.

“This life-saving event was captured on officers’ Body Cam. I am very proud of the efforts of Deputy Alec Carpenter to bring this victim back to life. In my opinion, there is no greater reward than to save the life of a human being,” said Allen.

Pictured from left to right: Earle Chief of Police Charles Atkins, CCSO Lt. Tyrone Moore, CCSO Sgt. Johnathon Hollowell, CCSO Chief George Blair, CCSO Alec Carpenter, CCSO Sheriff Mike Allen, Crittenden EMS Director Hudson Hallum, Earle Mayor Jaylen Smith.

Photo by Mike Allen