Deputy honored for life-saving attempt

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » A Madison County deputy was honored Friday by Undersheriff John Ball for her attempts to save a car accident victim last Wednesday.

Deputy Shannon Augustine “immediately checked the wellbeing of one of the drivers,” Brittany Leuenberger, 25, of Madison, whose SUV hit the side of a sedan pulling out into the intersection around 10:50 a.m. Wednesday. Leuenberger informed the deputy she was okay and directed her to check on the occupant of the other vehicle.

Augustine “entered the rear seat of a heavily damaged vehi-

without regard for [ her] own safety” to help the victim, 85-year-old Patricia Fleming of Oriskany Falls, Ball said. Fleming was unconscious with her head tilted forward, and Augustine sat behind her to stabalize the victim’s head and airway until other rescue personnel arrived and extricated Fleming from her vehicle.

Fleming later died in the hospital from the injuries she sustained in the collision.

“Your actions responding to this event were nothing short of extraordinary and are commended,” said Ball. “These were also the observations of the senior EMS official on the scene -your actions brought great comfort to Mrs. Fleming.”

Ball thanked Augustine on behalf of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

“I commend you for your actions and display of humanity,” he said. “It is an honor to work with those who go above and beyond to represent themselves, the Sheriff’s Office, and the county in a manner that exemplifies professionalism.”

JOHN BREWER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Acting Madison County Sheriff John Ball commends Deputy Shannon Augustine for her actions in responding to a fatal motor vehicle accident in the Town of Madison on Wednesday, Aug. 16.