SANDPOINT - Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler honored two citizens Tuesday for coming to the aid of a deputy who was seriously injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer last month.

Wheeler called the actions of Timothy Laude and Leonard Wilson "courageous and lifesaving" during a brief award ceremony at the county commission's meeting.

Deputy Alex Hughes was driving southbound on U.S. Highway 95 on the night of Jan. 20 when he attempted to execute a U-turn near the Blacktail Road turnoff, according to Idaho State Police. While making the maneuver, Hughes' sport utility patrol vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound semi.

"It looked, at first sight, like it was a fatal accident," Wheeler said.

Wilson rendered aid to the badly wounded Hughes and assured him that help was en route. Wheeler said Wilson climbed into the crumpled SUV, found Hughes' knife and cut him loose so the deputy could breathe.

"If it wasn't for Leonard Wilson's heroic and lifesaving efforts, he may not have even survived that horrible crash," Wheeler said.

Laude also stopped to help and stood atop the crashed semi with a flashlight while the SUV's roof was cut away from Hughes. It took nearly an hour for Hughes to be freed from the wreckage.

"Tim was on the roof holding the flashlight, talking to Alex and telling him, 'It's OK. We're going to get you out.' He spent the whole hour with them, helping and assisting," Wheeler said.

Hughes has since been moved from Kootenai Health's intensive care unit and could be home within a week, Wheeler said. Hughes is expected to face a lengthy recovery.

"He's doing really well. It's just been a miracle," Wheeler said.

A fundraiser to help Hughes' family cover motel and travel costs while he has been hospitalized is set for Saturday, March 7, at Priest River Lamanna High School. A spaghetti feed starts at 2 p.m. and a live auction begins at 3 p.m.

Accounts in Hughes' name are also set up at Mountain West Bank. Donations can be made in person at any of the bank's branches.