Lexington Officers Receive Life-Saving Awards

Three officers from Lexington and one from West Columbia were awarded the Life Saving Award by Woodmen of the World at a recent banquet.

Sgt. Melissa Lyons, 43, Correctional Officer Margaret Young, 42, and Deputy Justin Ashley, 25 - all from Lexington - received the award at the organization's banquet held in West Columbia on April 9. Correctional Officer Albert Schuck, 53, of West Columbia also received the award.

Lyons and Young received the award because on May 5, 2012, they helped save a female inmate's life, Sheriff James Metts said. The woman was in physical distress, and Lyons and Young were two of three correctional officers who saved the woman from suffering life-threatening injuries.

Ashley was awarded for his efforts to extinguish a stove fire at a home near Gilbert. 

Schuck received the award after helping a male inmate who was unresponsive in his cell after suffering a head laceration. Schuck and another correctional officer used rescue breathing techniques on the inmate until paramedics arrived.

A total of six officer received the award. Correctional Officer and former Correctional Officer Julie Davis, 33, were also recognized.