Two TGCSO Deputies Honored with Merit Award

SAN ANGELO, TX - On October 13, 2016, the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office recognized Deputies A.J. Rios and Graham Smith for their outstanding lifesaving actions that occurred on October 5, 2016, said a TGCSO press release.

According to the release, on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, several deputies with TGCSO were dispatched to FM 2288 and Concho Dr. in reference to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash. Upon arrival, deputies found a severely injured male subject, later identified as Scott Cornstubble, who was the motorcycle rider in the crash.

"Deputy Rios noticed there was a civilian, Paul Jones, attending to Cornstubble’s injuries," said TGCSO officials. "Jones had put a makeshift tourniquet on Cornstubble's left leg using a tow strap and screwdriver until law enforcement arrived. Deputy Rios noticed the wound was still bleeding so he applied his duty issued tourniquet above the makeshift tourniquet in order to control the bleeding."

Deputy Smith also applied his duty issued tourniquet on Cornstubble’s left arm to stop the bleeding from a compound fracture he sustained in the crash.

Cornstubble was then transported to Shannon Hospital Emergency Room in San Angelo. Because of the quick actions of Paul Jones, Deputy Rios and Deputy Smith, Mr. Cornstubble survived, said officials.

"A few weeks prior to this accident occurring, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office deputies were issued a tourniquet as part of their duty gear," noted TGCSO officials. "Trauma Physicians with Shannon Hospital provided training for all Sheriff’s Office personnel in the use and application of tourniquets for emergency care of severely injured subjects. The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office is very grateful for the service and training provided by the Shannon physicians."

Sheriff David Jones recognized Deputies Rios and Smith for their life-saving efforts and presented them with a Tom Green County Sheriff’s Officers Challenge Coin, recognizing them for their excellence and honoring their service. Paul Jones will be presented a Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Challenge Coin that recognizes his service and contribution to the community.