LOWNDES Co. – On Saturday, May 21 deputies from Lowndes and Brooks County along with E.M.S. personnel were dispatched to “Spook Bridge” at the Withlacoochee River regarding an individual who had accidentally shot himself in the foot while on the river bank.

Due to the injury, the victim was unable to walk and called 9-1-1 for assistance. Attempts by first responders to reach the victim from the Brooks County side of the river were unsuccessful. Investigator John Mulvaney, who had responded to the call, crossed the river from the Lowndes County side and carried the victim on his back across the river to awaiting E.M.S. on the Lowndes County side.

Today, Sheriff Prine issued Investigator Mulvaney a Meritorious Service Award for his actions on May 21. “Law enforcement works every day to make a difference in the community. It is great to be able to honor one of our own deputies who went above and beyond putting someone else’s safety ahead of his own,” said Sheriff Chris Prine.