Deputy receives Sheriff’s Medal

Deputy Martin Digrius receives Sheriff's Medal
 from Colonel Rick Ramsay.

Sheriff Bob Peryam and Colonel Rick Ramsay handed out the Sheriff’s Office top honor to an Islamorada deputy last week – the Sheriff’s Medal for lifesaving actions.

Deputy Martin Digrius was awarded the medal for his quick actions in saving the life of an Islamorada woman who was choking.

On March 3, 2012, Deputy Digrius was dispatched to a report of a woman choking. The victim, 45 year old Debra McClenithan of Islamorada, was eating dinner when she began to choke on her food. When Deputy Digrius arrived on the scene at 8:44 p.m., the victim was on the ground, unconscious and not breathing. Another woman was attempting to give her rescue breaths which were not having any effect.

Deputy Digrius took over care of the victim; checking her airway he found more food blocking it. After clearing the food pieces from her throat, she immediately began taking shallow breaths and the deputy could detect a faint pulse in her Carotid Artery.

Paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital where she was reported to be conscious, breathing and alert.

“On a daily basis, it is our job to protect and serve our citizens,” said Colonel Rick Ramsay, as he was presenting the medal to Deputy Digrius. “But saving a life – that is something you will never, ever forget. That person you saved is alive, and might not be if it weren’t for you. That is really something.”