By Hamilton Richardson
Elmore/Autauga News
At last week’s Autauga County Commission meeting, county leaders made important decisions on county business but also honored an Autauga County Sheriff’s Deputy for heroic actions in the community and for saving the life of a local resident.
Commissioner Rusty Jacksland stood and invited Deputy Allie Livingston to approach the group of leaders and began to explain the honor that she was being given, which was reflected in Resolution #2022-27.
“On May 5, she saved a life and I’d like to tell you all about it,” Jacksland began. “On May 5, 2022, Hope Little was playing softball at Mac Gray Park in Prattville. While in the outfield position, she was stung by a yellow jacket that caught in her jersey. Mrs. Little is deathly allergic to bee stings and made her way to the dugout to get her EpiPen. She was having breathing difficulties because her throat was closing and became unconscious. Deputy Allie Livingston was off-duty attending a softball game as a spectator. Deputy Livingston saw Mrs. Little’s teammate struggling to administer the EpiPen and jumped into action and took control of the situation and administered the EpiPen correctly. Mrs. Little’s airway started to open again immediately after receiving the medicine. Mrs. Little was unconscious for about six minutes before medics arrived on-scene.”
The commissioner continued, “Hope Little wrote to the Sheriff’s Office; ‘My husband and I have two beautiful children who could easily have lost their mother that night. Thanks to the quick action of Deputy Livingston, they did not have to go through that. I owe her my life and she will forever be my hero. I believe God puts people in the right place at the right time. I do believe God placed Deputy Livingston at that softball game for a reason.’”
Jacksland confirmed with Sheriff Joe Sedinger that Livingston had received a medal previously at the Sheriff’s Office. The Deputy Sheriff then received applause from the commissioners and the crowd who had gathered for the meeting.
Other business addressed at the meeting included a resolution to approve a consideration of memorial waivers and the approval of the retirement of Lt. Steve Campbell after 10 years of service to the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office and awarded him a retirement badge and service weapon.
Rising fuel cost was once again an issue for the commission to address as the group approved an amendment to a line item in the amount of $40,000 to cover fuel costs.
Two resignations were also approved for Alisha McAllister and Claire Clovard and the rescinding of a resignation for Courtney Gray.
The approval of the FY2022 Section 5307 agreement between the City of Montgomery and Autauga County as well as the approval to hire Arlon Poole, Part-time Van Driver, were also brought before the group.
The commission also gave the nod to an adjustment to a line item in the amount of $836.00 for the County Coroner and the FY22 EMPG State Subaward in the amount of $2,019.00 for the EMA director.
The items on the agenda for the County Engineer included the approval to hire Nathan Thomas, Laborer 1, the approval to terminate Christopher Deavers, Laborer 1, and the approval to advertise for an operator to replace Thomas Caldwell.
The two last measures on the night’s agenda were the approval of the County Engineer’s contract and the approval of the updated School Resource Officer Agreement with the Autauga County Board of Education.
After the entire agenda was addressed, the meeting was adjourned.
