RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WFXG) - The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office recently honored a deputy for his quick thinking - ultimately saving a woman’s life. His name is Taylor Hayes.

“I always wanted…wanted to serve.” said Deputy Taylor Hayes, RCSO Road Patrol Division.

Deputy Taylor Hayes works for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. He’s also a veteran.

"It’s a very similar structure, and once you leave that, you kind of look for it again, you know, that type of community, everyone is pretty close – tight knit group.” said Deputy Hayes.

Deputy Hayes spent about 5 years in the Army - landing in the CSRA in 2020.

"I went to basic in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. From there, I went to Fort Lee, Virginia for my job training for AIT. After there, I went to the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Benning, Georgia..” explained Deputy Hayes.

In February, he saved a woman’s life. She was crossing Deans Bridge near Morgan Road when a truck hit her, causing life threatening injuries. Deputy Hayes was first on scene.

"...I was there in like a minute or so," said Deputy Hayes, "There was a lot of people already there, bystanders, and I mean that was really nice to see too, people stopped and got out and started helping her already.”

Because of his quick actions, she is still alive today. The response also earned him an award from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

"I even asked one of my supervisors later like, do we know anything about her? A lot of times, unfortunately in these situations, you know, we’ll clear from the call and we really don’t know what the outcome is.” said Deputy Hayes.

He not only wants to serve the community, but also set an example for his kids.

"They’re like – yeah, my dad’s the police, and he’s a policeman, and they love you know, if I have to go pick them up at school or something, I happen to be in uniform, and they think they’re top dogs..” said Deputy Hayes.

And -  he’s not stopping here. 

"My current plan is to get on SWAT, and then I plan on taking the next corporal’s exam and CID exam, like in investigations.” said Deputy Hayes.

FOX54 salutes Deputy Taylor Hayes.

"Give respect to get respect type deal, you know?”

COPYRIGHT 2024 WFXG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.