07/30/2026
In October 2024, we shared this message:
"Today, we were able to hand out another tool that saves lives. A LifeVac Anti-Choking Device will be in all municipal and Iowa County squad cars. With this device saving almost 2,700 lives, we felt it was important to make sure this tool would be readily available when seconds count. Every year we receive donations that allow us to purchase more life-saving equipment, like LifeVac. Thank you to our donors for making this possible."
This weekend, that investment came full circle.
The Iowa County Sheriff's Office, Linden Police Department, Linden First Responders, and Dodgeville EMS responded to a report of an 88-year-old man who was choking in the Town of Linden.
Before first responders arrived, the victim's caregivers immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver but were unable to dislodge the obstruction. When the man became unresponsive, the caregivers used a LifeVac they had in the residence and were able to remove part of the obstruction.
When Linden Police Chief arrived on scene, he deployed the LifeVac from his squad that had been issued to the Linden Police Department through the Iowa County Sheriff's Office's donations account that many donate to every year. Additional obstructions were removed and we continued to work with Linden First Responders, and Dodgeville EMS to provide emergency medical care before being transported to Upland Hills in Dodgeville.
We are incredibly grateful to report that the victim is expected to make a full recovery and is anticipated to be released from the hospital in the coming days.
When we purchased these LifeVac devices, we made the decision to equip every municipal police department in Iowa County, not just our deputies. Our county covers 768 square miles, and we know there are times when a local police officer can arrive before a deputy. By ensuring every law enforcement agency had access to this equipment, another life-saving tool became available wherever help arrived first.
This incident is a reminder that public safety is a team effort. It began with the quick thinking of the caregivers, continued with the response of Linden Police, Linden First Responders, Dodgeville EMS, and Iowa County Sheriff's Office deputies, and was made possible by the generosity of people who chose to invest in the safety of their community.
Thank you, to our community for your generosity as it didn't just purchase equipment. It helped put another life-saving tool into the hands of first responders, and this weekend, it helped save a life. After getting off the phone with the victim's daughter, they are extremely grateful to have this tool in their communities, as it had a big impact in saving their fathers life.
We are extremely proud of our community partnership's. Saturday proves it helps us save lives and make a difference.
Sheriff Michael Peterson
