Oswego County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Medal Awarded

by Contributor | July 17, 2024 12:55 pm

OSWEGO – On Friday, June 28, 2024, members of Oswego County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and members of the Public Safety Committee of the Oswego County Legislature held a ceremony to honor and recognize a deputy for heroism in an emergency. The Lifesaving Award recognizes an OCSO staff member who steps up in an emergency to help or sustain a life under extraordinary circumstances.

On April 7^th, 2024, Deputy Austin Forte was the first to arrive on scene of a single vehicle crash on Chase Road in the Town of Granby.  Upon Deputy Forte’s arrival, the front of the involved truck was engulfed in flames.  A female on scene screamed numerous times for Deputy Forte to “get him out”.

Deputy Forte responded to the driver side of the truck and observed a male stuck between the door and body of the truck due to the extensive damage to the vehicle and the male’s significant injuries.  Deputy Forte struggled to free the male but was initially unable to.  At this time Fulton Police Department Officers Okun and Scribner had arrived on scene and assisted in removing the male and dragging him to safety.

Moments after the male had been moved to safety, the truck had become completely engulfed in flames and exploded.  Deputy Forte, Officer Okun and Officer Scribner risked their own lives to help the male.  If not for their decisive actions, the male surely would have died.

For his heroic and selfless actions that day, Deputy Austin Forte was presented with the Oswego County Sheriff’s Life Saving Medal. Sheriff Don Hilton stated, “Deputy Forte took immediate action to preserve a life and prevented a situation from resulting in fatality. I’m privileged to honor him and recognize his lifesaving deed.”

Officers Okun and Scribner will be recognized for their bravery by the Fulton City Police Department.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego-county-sheriffs-office-lifesaving-medal-awarded/

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