Several honored for saving deputy

CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Officials recognized a group of Good Samaritans and first responders Wednesday, after the group helped save the life of a Vermillion County Sheriff’s Deputy earlier this month.

Deputy Tim Dispennett had been running in a Clinton, Ind. park on August 6 when he collapsed to the ground with a heart condition. Officials said Dispennett was clinically dead, but was revived after a group of bystanders called 911 and began tending to Dispennett.

In the days since, Dispennett says his condition has improved, and he said he hopes to return to work in the next few weeks.

Wednesday afternoon, Vermillion County Sherriff Robert Spence honored those who helped Dispennett.

There were Mary Fornero, Susan Price and Maxine Spendal who called 911, Rosemary Iacoli who performed CPR, Billy McLarren from the Clinton Police Department, members of Vermillion County EMS who transported Dispennett. Officials said there were others at the scene who helped out but who could not be identified.

Sheriff Spence also said his department is collecting donations to help put a portable defibrillator in each sheriff’s and police car in Vermillion County. If you’d like to help, you can make your donation through the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department.