Detective Greg Birely (left) and Sgt. Joe Chavira

On Jan. 25, Thomas said, Detective Birely was on patrol when he was called to Delta Motor Parts for a possible in progress heart attack. Sgt. Chavira also heard the call for help and grabbed a defibrillator as he was leaving the police station. When he arrived, he found a male on the floor; no pulse could be detected. He applied the defibrillator patches to the man's body and with the assistance of Detective Birely, delivered three shocks to the man's system and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Birely was then asked to drive the ambulance to the hospital.

"Because of their quick response, critical thinking and strong desire to provide the best possible service to the Delta community, I would like to present to Sgt. Chavira and Det. Birely the Lifesaving Award," Thomas said. Mayor Mary Cooper enthusiastically led a round of applause. The former owner of Delta Motor Parts, she said the man who suffered the heart attack was "a very dear friend and an employee of almost 20 years."

Humbled by the award, Sgt. Chavira said he was thankful God put him in a situation to help. Detective Birely said it's an honor for them both to serve the citizens of Delta. They don't do the job for recognition, but do appreciate the award. "Thankfully we were able to help the gentleman," Birely said.

Later in the meeting, city manager Joe Kerby said Chavira and Birely reflect the high caliber of officers in the Delta Police Department. Chavira has accepted a law enforcement position in another community and he will be greatly missed, Kerby said.