Hamlin County Deputies Honored with Life Saving Award for Rescuing Infant

Hamlin County deputies proudly hold their Life Saving Awards, surrounded by community members, in recognition of their heroic efforts in rescuing an infant.

Northeast Radio SD News - Hayti, SD - In a ceremony at the Hamlin County Courthouse, two local heroes were recognized for their decisive actions that saved a young life. On March 3, 2026, the Hamlin County Commissioners presented the Life Saving Award to Deputy Vidmar and Deputy Ries.

The award stems from a critical medical emergency that occurred on February 12, 2026. Watertown Regional Dispatch received a 911 call reporting an infant who was not breathing at a residence in Hayti.

Deputies Vidmar and Ries were dispatched alongside the Lake Norden Ambulance and arrived on the scene within just one minute of the call. Upon arrival, they immediately began administering life-saving measures. Thanks to their rapid intervention and training, the infant began to respond before paramedics arrived.

Once on the scene, Lake Norden Ambulance personnel took over care, providing advanced life-saving treatment and transporting the infant to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

The Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office issued the award to acknowledge the deputies for going “above and beyond” the call of duty. The ceremony provided a heartfelt conclusion to a high-stakes emergency, highlighting the vital role of first responders in the community.