Warrick County Sheriff's Deputy Randy Merta was recently honored with the department's life saving award for his efforts in stopping an attempted suicide in August.

On Aug. 18, the Warrick County Dispatch received a call of an attempted suicide.

The caller informed dispatchers that her 56-year-old mother called her and said she was going to kill herself.

Merta was close to the scene and entered the apartment with the assistance of a maintenance man.

According to the report, the woman was struggling from a cord that she had placed around her neck.

Merta was able to quickly free her and save her life.

"As police officers, we are often placed in the lives of individuals during their worst of times," said Sheriff Marvin Heilman. "(Merta's) actions in this incident were commendable and heroic, in my opinion, and worthy of recognition."

Merta received the distinction at the Merit Board meeting on Oct. 20.