When Deputy Kaleb Piland, Covington County Sheriff, came to Dorothy Burnette’s rescue after returning home late at night, he was in the right spot at the right moment.
He was informed by Magnolia Court Apartments’ 71-year old neighbor Burnette that she was having heart problems Monday, November 14, at 11:11 p.m. Piland had been off duty from the Covington County Sheriff’s Office on that night, and he hadn’t been there long when he took action.
“My girlfriend and me had just returned from Crestview’s pool tournament. After we had sat down on the couch and watched a movie in our living room, we heard someone knocking downstairs. We didn’t pay much attention to it as it was a busy complex. A neighbor came up to my door and claimed that Mrs. Dorothy couldn’t breathe or get to her door. Her heart rate was very high and her breathing machine wasn’t connected. My thoughts were, “I must get into this apartment to help her.” I tried to talk to her through the door but she was extremely weak and couldn’t breath. At that moment, I kicked in her door and helped her to breathe. Piland stated that Advanced EMS was called to take her to the hospital.
Burnette believed she was suffering from a heart attack, and remained in hospital until Friday.
“I was short of air and couldn’t get oxygen to my lungs or get to the front door. Faye, my neighbor, came over to help me get in. She couldn’t get in, so she ran upstairs to call Deputy Piland. He came down, but couldn’t get in. So he instructed me to move away from the door. He told me that I couldn’t get in the door so I said I wasn’t there. Then he kicked it in, and came to my rescue. My heart was racing and they brought me to the hospital. They said that I had changed my color. They calmed my heart at the hospital and assured me that my color would return. She said that everyone helped me and saved my life.
She said that Piland’s heroic actions meant a lot for her.
“I didn’t care if anyone broke that door in so long as they saved my life. That’s what is most important. It is good to have such people in your life. Although he wasn’t afraid, I was. It was the first time that I ever felt that way. Growing up, I knew people like this where my neighbors were neighbors. Sometimes, I still see this happening. Deputy Piland is a generous person who cares deeply about others.
Piland saved Piland in this second rescue. “I fell in the kitchen in August, and I fractured my right leg very badly. I was in rehab for 21 days and finally got out in September. Burnette stated that my kitchen caught fire at the same time.
Piland also expressed gratitude for saving Burnette’s lives. “All life is precious and I would do everything in my power to ensure the safety of everyone. To ensure that someone is safe, I would not put my life at risk. Even though I was not on duty, it meant the world to me. It was a blessing to be in the right place at just the right time.
Pleasant Home alumnus in 2020, Piland is a law enforcement veteran of over a year. He was appointed sheriff’s deputy three years ago.
“I came from Andalusia Police Department to join the Covington County Sherriff’s Office because I wanted to help more people. The CCSO offers a great environment. He said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to work with Sheriff Blake Turman. I’m extremely thankful for the incredible opportunities he has provided me to properly protect the citizens of Covington county.”
The post Covington County deputy saves neighbor’s lives was first published on The AndalusiaStar-News.
