Teen and Deputies to Receive Life Saving Awards

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin will present awards not only to deputies who saved a life, but also to a high school student who stepped in to help a police officer who was shot in the line of duty. 

Sheriff Akin will present 17-year-old Ava Donegan with a Certificate of Recognition and challenge coin for her assistance to the Excelsior Springs Police Officer who was shot twice on Oct. 1. The Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and has submitted its findings to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. Donegan applied a tourniquet to the officer and helped him radio for help.

In addition to Sheriff Akin, Excelsior Springs Police Chief Greg Dull also will recognize Donegan, and Excelsior Springs Mayor Sharon Powell will make a special scholarship presentation to her.

Sheriff Akin will also present the Life-Saving Award to deputies who saved a man who had stopped breathing at a local restaurant. Another deputy will be recognized for being one of the top producers of DWI arrests in Missouri.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on November 17, in the auditorium of New Mark Middle School, 515 N.E. 106th St. The event also will recognize graduates and instructors of the Sheriff’s Office’s fall Citizens Academy, as well as recent promotions and academic achievements of Sheriff’s Office members.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story