Three Berrien County Deputies recognized for lifesaving actions

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - Sheriff Chuck Heit recognized three deputies for their lifesaving actions at the Berrien County Commission Meeting Thursday Morning.

The deputies' actions saved two lives in Berrien County in 2023.

The deputies recognized include Deputy Micah Carlson, Deputy Jonathan Cluster, and Deputy Nathan Withington.

On October 22, 2023, Deputies Micah Carlson and Jonathan Cluster responded to a 911 call at an address in Buchanan.

The two deputies worked with Officer Cory Reed, of the Buchanan Police Department, and members of Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) to provide CPR and AED to save the person’s life.

The person saved happened to be a member of the Buchanan Fire Department.

On November 9, 2023, Deputy Nathan Withington stopped at the Niles courthouse and was alerted to a medical emergency in the jury assembly room.

Deputy Withington found a woman choking and unable to breath.

Deputy Withington performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the obstruction.

She then had a panic attack making it hard to breathe. Deputy Withington located her medication and helped administer it while waiting for SMCAS to arrive.

Officials say the deputies' fast actions and teamwork helped save two lives.

Sheriff Heit, and staff, presented the three deputies with the agency's “Lifesaving Award” and thanked them for their actions.