During a recent graduation ceremony, two Norfolk Sheriff’s Office deputies were presented with the Meritorious Performance Award for saving the life of a gunshot victim.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 23, while working part-time security at an entertainment venue, Master Deputy Dempich, Master Deputy Bice, and Senior Deputy Wilson heard gun shots and observed shattered car windows. When they realized which direction the gun shots were coming from, Deputies Bice, Dempich and Wilson saw the suspect and began pursuing him on foot. The suspect ran to a nearby parking garage where he fled in a vehicle.
The deputies then located a male victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Master Deputy Dempich, who is a paramedic for the City of Virginia Beach, immediately began to render aid to the victim utilizing a trauma bag. After removing the victim’s clothing, Master Deputy Dempich exposed the entry wound. Around this time, Sgt. Thomas (who was working close by) arrived on scene and immediately jumped in to assist Master Deputy Dempich by applying a chest seal to the victim. Once medics arrived on scene the victim was quickly rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Due to the quick thinking of Master Deputy Dempich with assistance from Sgt. Thomas, the victim in this incident survived.
The suspect was later arrested by Norfolk Police Department and is currently being held without bond.
In addition to receiving the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Performance Award, Master Deputy Dempich and Sergeant Thomas will also be recognized at an American Legion awards ceremony later this month.
