Deputy Credited With Saving Infant's Life

When seconds mattered most, Deputy Johnathun Bivins was the first person to arrive.

For his actions during a May 24 emergency involving an infant who had stopped breathing, Bivins was recently presented with the Life-Saving Award by the White County Sheriff's Office.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on the west side of White County after receiving a report that an infant was turning blue and was no longer breathing. Bivins arrived first and immediately began providing medical aid.

Those efforts proved critical. The sheriff's office said the infant began breathing again before emergency medical personnel arrived on scene.

EMS later assumed care of the child and transported the infant to a hospital for further evaluation.

Sheriff Steve Page and Chief Deputy Kenny Dobson presented the award to Bivins following a formal letter of commendation submitted by Sgt. Daniel Kolster. While Bivins was recognized for his life-saving actions, the sheriff's office also acknowledged the other deputies who responded to the call, including Kolster, Deputy Simmons, Deputy Mullins, Deputy Martin and Deputy Barriger.

"The citizens of White County are fortunate to have such well-trained officers, EMS personnel and first responders responding to calls day in and day out," the sheriff's office said in announcing the award. "Our thanks go out to each and every one of them."

The Life-Saving Award is presented to officers whose actions directly contribute to preserving a life during the course of their duties. In this case, sheriff's office officials said Bivins' quick response and immediate intervention made a difference during a critical emergency involving one of the county's youngest residents.