TEMPLE, Texas — Sergeant Casey Sheppard with the Temple Police Department was recognized on Thursday for his heroic actions that helped save a man's life in January 2024.
On New Years Day, Sheppard was driving home when he heard a cardiac emergency call in the 700 block of Olde Oaks Dr. The call, which was initially dispatched by the Bell County Sheriff's Office, was reportedly duplicated to the Temple Police Department due its proximity and urgency.
When Sheppard arrived, he quickly began performing CPR on a 79-year-old Ron Scott, who had stopped breathing.
"All of a sudden, I heard him make a strange noise and then another one and I got the lie down and he was non responsive." Kathy Scott, Ron's wife, stated.
Kathy had been performing CPR on her husband until Sheppard arrived to the scene. Once Sheppard took over, he was able to get Ron's breathing restored.
The Little River Academy Fire Department arrived afterward to provide further medical intervention, stabilizing Ron for transport to medical facilities.
Sheppard's swift actions and training was the difference maker in Ron's life that day and on Thursday, Ron finally got the chance to meet his hero.
"He's the first individual that I've ever done CPR on that I've been able to meet afterwards. So glad to meet you. Absolutely. But he's definitely the true success story here because he he overcame something that he shouldn't have from what I hear," Sheppard shared at the City Council meeting.
Two months after the incident, Ron said he is doing quite well as he continues his recovery at rehab three days a week.
"He broke my sternum and five ribs, so he did quite well," Ron shared.
Ron told 6 News the near tragedy incident makes him emotional and meeting his hero was something he was really looking forward to.
"When you just go to bed like you usually do, but you wake up four days later," Ron added. "It sort of really does make you emotional."
Sheppard, along with Ron and his family, are a testament to the importance of CPR.
"It's so important that everybody knows CPR," said Ron. "Start now. I don't care how old or young you are. Learn CPR."
"The impact that that can have on on an individual or on a family is insurmountable," said Sheppard.
Thursday's moments of recognition and reunification is not a common occurrence for first responders. It's just another reason why it was emotional for Sheppard, too.
"I would say it helped to re-center me," Sheppard explained. "I've been doing this job for almost 17 years now and there's a lot of negativity that comes with the job and you don't see or hear a lot of the positive impact, so it's nice to see that and know that we come to work every day and make an impact."
"I just wanted to say thank you not only to him, but all the first responders, policemen, our firefighters," Ron said.