Saving the life of a Rutherford County citizen earned Officer of the Month honors for Deputy Jeff Verbruggen in March.

            Deputy Verbruggen received an engraved watch from owner/manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro.

“First responders like Deputy Verbruggen can make all the difference in the world in life and death,” Lee said. “We are pleased to present him with this small token of our appreciation.”

He responded to a Rehobeth Road home in March where he found a citizen without a pulse. Deputy Verbruggen started cardiopulmonary resuscitation and treated the patient with an Automated External Defibrillator, reviving his pulse.

            Paramedics took over treatment and transported the patient to Middle Tennessee Medical Center where he found the patient alive, conscious and talking.

            Sheriff Robert Arnold said Deputy Verbruggen’s action were commendable.

“Deputy Verbruggen’s actions under pressure saved a citizen’s life,” Sheriff Arnold said.