A McDowell County deputy and a 911 dispatcher received an award on Monday, April 8, 2024 for saving someone’s life.
The McDowell County Sheriff awarded medals to Chief Deputy Anthony Epperson and dispatcher Ladawna Mullins after they saved a woman’s life in the line of duty.
Chief deputy Epperson was called on scene to a woman holding a gun, attempting to take her own life. Epperson said his training in crisis intervention with Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center is what helped him address the situation and talk the woman down effectively. “She didn’t want anyone to interfere or intervene in that situation, and with CIT and my training that I received, I was able to reach her and get on page with her to the point to where she finally decided to relinquish that firearm and change her mindset on ending her life,” said Epperson.