Washoe County Deputy credited for saving life of suicidal inmate

When an inmate attempted to take his life earlier this year by throwing himself over a balcony with a makeshift rope around his neck, Detention Facility Deputy Michel Eubanks literally flew to the rescue, bounding up the stairs to make the rescue with the help of three inmate work crew members.

On February 16, 2016, an inmate was walking up the stairs in the housing unit when he quickly wrapped a sheet that had been hidden in his clothing around his neck. The inmate began to tie the other end of the sheet to the top bar of the railing at the top of the stairs. In seconds, Deputy Eubanks was out of the Deputy’s Station, up the stairs, and hands on with the inmate just as the inmate was jumping over the rail. Deputy Eubanks quickly brought the suicidal inmate back over the rail and on to the landing with assistance from the three inmate workers.

Had it not been for Deputy Eubanks’ quick actions, this incident could have ended tragically. Additionally, because Deputy Eubanks had gained the respect of the inmate workers in the unit, they willingly assisted him when he needed help to save a troubled inmate.

In recognition of his quick action to save the life of an inmate, Deputy Michel Eubanks received the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Livesaving Medal during Tuesday’s award ceremony. The Detention Captain is presenting Letters of Appreciation to the three inmate workers who assisted Deputy Eubanks in saving the life of another inmate.

He was one of nearly 50 Sheriff’s Office staff, volunteers and community members recognized by Sheriff Chuck Allen for their outstanding service to their community. Their stories include:

- A Deputy who rescued a seven-year-old girl and her father from a home fire
- Four members of the patrol staff who helped rescue victims from burning cars in two separate incidents
- Two Deputies honored for bravery in apprehending armed and dangerous felony suspects
- 11 patrol staff who were able to apprehend a violent, armed man after the suspect barricaded himself in the bathroom of the Sun Valley McDonalds
Patrol staff who were first responders to an active shooting situation in Spanish Springs in April of 2015
- Three separate incidents in which Detention Deputies saved an inmate’s life (including Deputy Eubanks)
- A Sheriff’s Support Specialist who played a major role in last year’s successful removal of abandoned vehicles from Kiowa Ponds
- A Sheriff’s Support Specialist who provided invaluable support to a fraud investigation involving numerous victims
- A local Veteran who donates his time to clean up trash dumped on Washoe County roads
- A partnership among Sheriff’s staff and citizens who worked together to bring home made blankets and other items to the less fortunate

Other Sheriff’s Office staff and volunteers will be recognized for career service, special duties, problem solving, and other outstanding efforts that help to support the mission of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office