08/22/2026
Our department couldn’t be more blessed to work alongside our brothers and sisters in law enforcement. The teamwork, partnership, and camaraderie we share with both the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and Cross City Police Department, are a true testament to our department motto: “One Team, One Mission.”💙💚🚒🚑🚓
On the evening of August 10, 2026, Dixie County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence in Old Town after receiving a report of a 62-year-old woman who had been found unresponsive and not breathing.
Sergeant James Smith, who was the closest law enforcement unit, immediately responded to the residence. Upon arrival, Sergeant Smith and the woman’s husband removed her from the bathtub and moved her to the living room, where Sergeant Smith immediately began performing CPR.
As Sergeant Smith continued lifesaving efforts, Deputy Brandon Smith relayed the patient’s condition and medical status to Dixie County Fire Rescue while they were en route. During CPR, the woman began intermittently showing signs of life, including shallow breathing and a faint pulse, before becoming unresponsive again. Sergeant Smith continued CPR as needed until Dixie County Fire Rescue arrived and took over her care.
The patient was ultimately flown by helicopter to Shands Hospital for further treatment.
We are incredibly thankful to share the best part of this story: she survived.
Sergeant Smith later followed up with the family and learned that she was doing well, and expected to make a full recovery.
Dixie County Fire Rescue Firefighter/Paramedic Blake Watson credited the quick response and actions of Sergeant Smith and Deputy Smith with not only providing critical care before EMS arrived, but also giving DCFR important information about the patient’s condition so crews could arrive prepared with the equipment they needed.
This is what serving a community is all about.
When seconds mattered, Sergeant Smith acted. Deputy Smith communicated. Dixie County Fire Rescue arrived prepared. Together, their quick response, training, communication, and teamwork helped give one of our citizens another chance at life.
We are proud of Sergeant James Smith and Deputy Brandon Smith for their actions that evening, and we are grateful for our partners at Dixie County Fire Rescue and the medical professionals who continued her care.
Most importantly, we are thankful that this story has a happy ending. 💚
Outstanding job to everyone involved.