VIDEO: Senator Moody Recognizes Plant City Police Sergeant for Life-Saving Actions

PLANT CITY, Fla.-Senator Ashley Moody presented a Florida's Finest Award to a Plant City Police Sergeant who saved a man's life. In September, Sgt. Billy Harvester responded to a call for help, where he found a man lying unconscious. Sgt. Harvester determined the man to be suffering from a cardiac arrest, and he immediately responded, grabbing an AED from his patrol car, using it to shock the man back into consciousness and then performed CPR procedures until paramedics showed up-saving the man's life. Senator Moody's Florida's Finest Award is presented to law enforcement officers or citizens for extraordinary lifesaving efforts.

"Law enforcement officers have to be ready to face anything when the call comes in-and Sgt. Harvester showed he was ready and capable when responding to that fateful call in September, grabbing his AED and saving a man's life. I'm grateful for all that Sgt. Harvester and other officers do every day to protect Floridians, and I'm honored to present Sgt. Harvester with a Florida's Finest Award," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• On Sept. 19, 2026, Sgt. Harvester responded to a residence regarding an unresponsive male with a known history of cardiac issues dating back to childhood. Recognizing the potential seriousness of the call, Sergeant Harvester demonstrated excellent judgment and preparedness by retrieving an AED from his patrol vehicle before entering the residence.
• Upon entering the residence, Sergeant Harvester located the male upstairs and determined that he was in cardiac arrest. Sergeant Harvester immediately applied the AED, which analyzed the patient's heart rhythm and advised that a shock was necessary. Sergeant Harvester administered the shock and immediately continued lifesaving efforts by performing CPR.
• Sergeant Harvester continued CPR until the patient began breathing on his own. The man's condition improved significantly prior to being transported from the residence.
• Sergeant Harvester's quick assessment of the situation, foresight in bringing the AED into the residence, immediate application of the device, and effective administration of CPR were instrumental in restoring the patient's vital functions.
• Senator Moody's Florida's Finest Awards honor citizens or law enforcement officers who demonstrate selfless courage and go above and beyond to save lives.

# # #