During the June 17 Statesboro City Council meeting, three local public safety personnel were honored with Life Saving Awards for their swift and coordinated response that helped save a man’s life following a serious crash earlier this year.
Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead presented the awards to SPD Sergeant Eric Simms, SPD Officer Anita Cannady, and Bulloch County EMS Paramedic Lauren Karinshak for their actions on the morning of April 24, 2025, when a motor vehicle collision occurred near Veterans Memorial Parkway and Brannen Avenue.
Sergeant Simms and Officer Cannady were among the first to respond to the scene, where they found one of the drivers unresponsive and without a pulse. As they began assessing the situation, Paramedic Karinshak—who was off duty and on her way home—stopped to help after noticing the emergency unfolding.
While Karinshak initiated CPR, Officer Cannady retrieved an AED (automated external defibrillator) from her patrol vehicle. The three worked together on the side of the roadway, alternating CPR and delivering multiple shocks as advised by the AED, while awaiting the arrival of additional EMS units.
Thanks to their efforts, the patient regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital. A paramedic supervisor later stated that the man’s chances of survival were likely less than 5% had it not been for their immediate and effective intervention.
The presentation drew a standing ovation from City Council members and the public in attendance.
In a statement shared after the meeting, the Statesboro Police Department added, “Well done to these three servants who are out there every day making a difference.”
All three recipients were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating the type of fast, life-saving care that not only defines their professions, but made the difference between life and death for one member of the community.
