
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office knows anything can happen while on duty. The School District of Lee County’s central office is no exception. One recent afternoon, while Deputy Lee Kvaley was working in the lobby, something did. A three-year-old boy who was with his mother waiting for an appointment suddenly stopped breathing.
“I immediately went over, got the child, and made sure his airway was cleared and basically just stimulated him by rubbing his chest to get breathing going,” said Deputy Kvaley. "I didn’t even really think; I just went through the procedures I know based on my training and experience and fortunately it was a good outcome.”
While Deputy Kvaley was performing CPR, the Diamond Security staff assigned to the front lobby assisted and called 911. The little boy was alert, conscious, and in his mother’s arms when transported to Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“The child started breathing immediately,” said Dave Newlan, Chief of Safety and Security and Fleet Operations for the School District. “I want to thank Deputy Kvaley for the quick actions he took that day and for saving the child’s life. We are very appreciative of the work Deputy Kvaley does for the school district and his presence at the district office.”
Deputy Kvaley is assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Youth Services Division, which supervises dozens of School Resource Officers. He can be regularly seen walking the halls, monitoring the entrances, and providing security during central office events. He was in the right place at the right time when needed most.
“It feels good whenever you help someone, whether it’s saving a life or assisting someone who’s been the victim of a crime,” Deputy Kvaley said. “It’s always a good feeling.”