Judges Honor Cops Credited With Saving Bailiff's Life

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The judges of the Miami-Dade Courts' Domestic Violence Division held a brief ceremony Monday to honor two Miami-Dade police officers who are credited with helping to save the life of bailiff who works in the courthouse.

On Thursday, December 10th, officers Stuart Perkins and Maria Spell, who are assigned as a security at the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center, helped a court employee who had fallen and was non-responsive. When they reached him, he did not have a pulse.

"I collapsed and the officers happened to be right there, at the right place, a few feet away," said Ed Buchanan. "One started CPR, the other went to get the automatic defibrillator. I'm told they did it twice then rescue showed up. I was taken to the University of Miami Hospital."

Doctors have credited the officers' quick response with saving Buchanan's life.

During Monday's ceremony, Buchanan expressed his gratitude to the officers.

"Ther's so much to say, I can hardly think of the words but thank you so much, this is the best holiday gift anyone can receive, a second chance at life," said Buchanan.

"I am grateful that myself and my partner were at the right place, at the right time. We utilized our training to save Edward Buchanan we did it for him and we would've done it for anybody else in that same situation," said Perkins.

A life saving situation that Judges Carroll Kelly and Deborah White-Labora, who work with Buchanan, said must be recognized especially during this time of the year.

"It is so beautiful to take a moment and pause to think and honor those who truly make the holiday spirit what it is all about, helping each other, saving each other and looking out for each other," said Kelly.