PALATKA, Fla. — Putnam County commissioners and family honor Deputy Jones for saving a baby’s life last November.
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On Nov. 4, 2022, Deputy Jones responded to a 3-week old baby in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, he immediately began performing CPR on Calvin Miller. Calvin briefly regained consciousness, but fell unconscious again as Jones continued to administer CPR until paramedics arrived.
Calvin was rushed to HCA Florida Putnam Hospital and then sent to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for pediatric care.
On Nov. 6, Sgt. Vieira received a message from Calvin’s mother Christina Miller complimenting the deputies who responded, but she specifically wanted to thank Jones. Miller was told by doctors that if Jones had not acted as swiftly as he had, her son would not have survived. Additionally, Calvin had an undiagnosed heart condition that was discovered upon arrival at the hospital.
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Calvin remained in the hospital for an extended period, but yesterday, with his parents Christina and Jacob, he appeared at the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners meeting to personally thank his rescuer.
While Calvin slept through the meeting, his dad told the commission of his young son’s giggles and thanked Jones for giving him the opportunity to be a dad by saving his baby’s life. Earlier this year, Jones was awarded the life-saving medal by Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach, but yesterday, Christina presented him a plaque as a thank you.
“Don’t let anyone say you can’t make a difference,” said Sheriff DeLoach at the meeting. “The actions of Deputy Jones made all the difference in the world for this child and his family.”