Three BCSO deputies presented Livesaving Awards Thursday morning

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Three Berrien County Sheriff's Office deputies were honored on Thursday morning at the Berrien County Commission Meeting for their heroism and life-saving efforts during three different incidents this year.

Sheriff Chuck Heit presented Deputies Brian Root, Dominic Forestieri, and Matt Grimm with Lifesaving Awards during the meeting, and said that he was proud of their actions and grateful for the ability to recognize the deputies for their great work.

Root is receiving the award for his actions on Jan. 21 when he was the first to respond to a residential structure fire in Niles.

"He noticed that a young female was trapped on the second floor. Deputy Root quickly climbed a latter to the second-floor window, placed the child over his shoulder, and carried the child down the latter to safety," the BCSO said. "Deputy Root’s quick action and remarkable composure is worthy of a lifesaving award."

Forestieri was given the award for his action on March 22 when he was stopped at a traffic light and witnessed a crash in front of him.

"As he pulled up to assist, the driver rushed out of the vehicle holding a toddler and screamed “my baby isn’t breathing”. Dep Forestieri immediately called for an ambulance and began CPR. He was able to temporarily revive the toddler, however, the toddler again stopped breathing," the BCSO said. "Deputy Forestieri continued CPR and quickly drove the toddler to Niles hospital while monitoring the toddler’s condition. At the hospital, the toddler’s condition improved and made a full recovery. Deputy Forestieri’s actions are worthy of a lifesaving award."

Grimm was unable to attend the meeting but is being honored with the award for his actions on July 26 when he responded to an in-progress domestic violence call in Bainbridge Township with other officers.

"Deputy Grimm learned that the suspect crawled onto the roof and was threatening suicide. Deputy Grimm started a dialogue with the suspect which allowed others to evacuate the pregnant female victim and a 1-year-old from inside the residence," the BCSO said.

"The suspect held a handgun to his head, and he continued to talk to Deputy Grimm. After an hour, Deputy Grimm was able to convince the suspect to drop the gun and climb down from the roof. The suspect was then arrested. Without Deputy Grimm’s calm demeanor and de-escalation skills, the outcome could have been much worse. His actions are worthy of a lifesaving award."