Several Hernando County detention deputies are being praised for saving the life of an inmate.

Detention Deputy Kyle Jones performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking inmate Saturday afternoon.

Several additional detention deputies, including Deputy Javier DeJesus and Deputy Christina Cruz responded to assist Kyle, resulting in eventually further dislodging the obstruction blocking the inmate’s airway.

Several nurses also responded and escorted the inmate to the Medical Housing Unit for further observation. The inmate is expected to make a full recovery.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said the day-to-day operations at the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Center involve so much more than preventing escape.

"Detention deputies have to be ready to perform every emergency procedure from firefighting to CPR," the Sheriff said. "The detention deputies involved in this situation reacted without hesitation and they very likely saved a life. The professionalism they display every day, even though it is often away from the view of the public, is impressive."