Plant City Sergeant Honored for Life-Saving CPR Response

A Plant City police sergeant has been recognized by Senator Ashley Moody for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions in September.

Sgt. Billy Harvester responded to a call on September 19 for an unresponsive man at a residence. Upon arrival, Harvester found the man in cardiac arrest and immediately retrieved an AED (automated external defibrillator) from his patrol car. He applied the device, which delivered a shock to restore the man's heart rhythm, then performed CPR until the patient began breathing on his own.

Moody presented Harvester with a Florida's Finest Award, which recognizes law enforcement officers and citizens for extraordinary lifesaving efforts. "Law enforcement officers have to be ready to face anything when the call comes in—and Sgt. Harvester showed he was ready and capable," Moody said in a statement.

Harvester's decisive action—including his foresight to bring the AED into the residence before assessing the patient—proved critical to the man's survival. The patient's condition improved significantly before paramedics transported him from the scene.