LIVINGSTON — A Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy who helped save three lives in less than 30 days has been honored with the 2024 Deputy Valor Award from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, officials announced this week.
Deputy Gregory Brant Aydell was recognized for acts of bravery and quick thinking during a series of life-threatening emergencies this spring, including an overdose, a shooting, and the near-drowning of a child.
"Being the right person at the right place at the right time is not common," said Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. "Deputy Aydell was the right person three times in one month and twice in less than 48 hours. Three lives were saved because of his swift actions."
According to the sheriff’s office, Aydell’s first rescue occurred on March 13, when he responded to an overdose call involving an unconscious and unresponsive person. Aydell began rescue breathing and continued for several minutes until medics arrived and administered multiple doses of Narcan. CPR was continued for 10 to 15 minutes, and the victim ultimately survived.
On April 3, Aydell and Deputy Drew Adams responded to a reported leg injury from a shooting but discovered the victim deep in the woods with a gunshot wound to the chest. Aydell applied a chest seal and repositioned the man to help his breathing. Emergency medics arrived in time to perform a decompression procedure, likely preventing a collapsed lung. The man survived.
Less than two days later, on April 5, Aydell and Deputy Brandon Ma responded to a drowning call involving a 3-year-old child. The child was unresponsive and not breathing. Aydell immediately began rescue breathing. Realizing time was critical, the deputies transported the child themselves, with Ma driving and Aydell continuing rescue efforts in the backseat. The child was revived at the hospital.
Aydell, a native of Livingston Parish and graduate of Walker High School, served in the U.S. Army before joining the sheriff’s office. He completed seven deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror, earning multiple commendations including the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster.
After retiring from military service, Aydell returned to Livingston Parish and now serves with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Deputy Valor Award is presented by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association to deputies who demonstrate exceptional courage, judgment, and performance beyond the call of duty. It is one of the organization’s highest honors.
