Brevard County Corrections Deputy Carissa LaRoche has been selected as Florida’s 2018 Corrections Deputy of the Year.

Among her acts of heroism, LaRoche has saved numerous lives while working in the Brevard County Correction Facility.

On July 30, 2017, she observed an inmate in the Jail Complex Female Annex who appeared to be having a seizure. She jumped into action, calling all necessary medical assistance and then moved the inmate to the floor where she performed CPR for seven minutes until the EMT arrived.

On September 24, 2017,  LaRoche saved another inmate’s life upon his arrival to the Brevard County Jail Complex. After another Deputy called for assistance with an unresponsive inmate being transported into the jail. LaRoche was the first to arrive on scene where she assessed the victim and began CPR, which lasted for five minutes until the inmate began breathing again. Jail complex medical staff again commended her quick response and expert implementation of CPR, which ultimately saved the inmate’s life.

On August 17, 2017, when a female inmate suddenly fell to the ground due to a seizure shortly after being relocated to a holding cell. The booking nurse was quick to respond to the scene; however, she was unable to revive the inmate. LaRoche then grabbed the AED, attached the pads to the inmate and followed with chest compressions for 15 minutes until the patient was revived.

The inmate was transferred to a local hospital where it was determined she was suffering from a drug overdose, and sadly passed away shortly after.

“We are incredibly proud of Carissa as her dedication and pride is unparalleled, as she serves as a role model for all Corrections Deputies throughout our agency and other agencies across the state of Florida,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Image credit: BCSO