PONDERAY — While long overdue, Ponderay Police Chief Joseph Kaufmann wanted to make sure those responsible were honored for their roles in saving the lives of several people last year.  

Kaufmann recognized citizens Melissa Maloney and Connie Scevers, and Police Sergeant Jeremy Deal at the June 21 Ponderay City Council meeting. Both of their lifesaving acts happened last year, and Kaufman called the ceremony “long overdue.” 

Maloney and Scevers received their awards for quickly coming to the aid of a man who collapsed at the DMV in the Bonner County Mall in May 2024. The two women rushed to his aid, with Maloney providing CPR and Scevers, an employee at the DMV, applying a successful defibrillation to the man’s chest, keeping him alive until first responders arrived. 

"I was actually involved in this... so this is kind of fun because we are like the three amigos, getting the gang back together,” Kaufman said at the meeting. “About two weeks later, I met up with the guy and had quite the conversation with him... I would say he was full of life and that was because of Melissa and Connie.” 

Kaufman credited Maloney for her leadership during the time of crisis, saying that she instructed him how to help her. Scevers was “vital” delivering a successful defibrillation, which Kaufman said he has rarely seen.  

Deal’s award was given to him for a separate incident that same month when he provided first aid to an unconscious female, likely close to death due to a drug overdose, according to Ponderay Police. Kaufman noted that Deal responded to an incident that involved fentanyl, a drug that is highly dangerous not just to the user, but anyone that comes in contact with it. 

Thanks to Deal’s care, she survived a “near overdose death” and make a recovery after being provided further medical treatment. 

"Sgt. Deal’s quick response and disregard for his own safety helped save the life of this citizen in Ponderay,” Kaufman said at the meeting. “It’s my honor to present Sergeant Jeremy Deal with the Ponderay Life Saving Award.” 

The council applauded the efforts of those who were honored and offered words of support for the Ponderay PD. 

“I appreciate all you do out there in the field, what you guys encounter, go through all the time,” Councilor Brad Mitton said. “Whatever we do, our police department is here, they respond, they go get it done.” 

    Ponderay citizens, Melissa Maloney and Connie Scevers, stand next to Ponderay Police Chief Joseph Kaufman after receiving their Livesaving awards.