JANUARY 12, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #21-0112-2
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE 785-364-2251
DEPUTY RECEIVES LIFE SAVING AWARD
JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. (JASO)-Sheriff Tim Morse reports that Deputy Chad Ballenger has been awarded the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Award. On July 20, 2020, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Deputy Chad Ballenger was on patrol in his district in southern Jackson County when a medical was dispatched to 13027 134th Road to the home of Marvin Cummings. Mr. Cummings was changing the oil on his son’s vehicle. Mr. Cummings was beneath his son’s vehicle that had been jacked up when the car fell off of the jack and onto Mr. Cummings. The vehicle was crushing Mr. Cummings’ chest making it impossible for him to breathe. Deputy Ballenger who was in the area, rushed to the scene and guided panic stricken family members with instructions to stabilize the vehicle. Deputy Ballenger was able to us his jack to raise the vehicle off of Mr. Cummings prior to emergency personnel’s arrival. Mr. Cummings survived the incident and credited Deputy Ballenger for saving his life. Sheriff Morse said, “Deputy Ballenger is a true hero, and we are blessed to have him serving this great county.” The commendation and medal of valor was awarded on Monday morning during the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners meeting.