Jennings County deputy recognized during NHRA U.S. Nationals

(BROWNSBURG, Ind.) – A Jennings County deputy was honored during the NHRA U.S. Nationals on Saturday. 

Deputy Blake Maynard was named the Fire Department Coffee Community Hero of the event. 

Maynard was one of three officers who saved the life of a 15-day-old infant in Country Squire Lakes in December.

The infant was choking and struggling to breathe when Maynard, North Vernon officer Jessiah Watts and Deputy Dylan Smock arrived on the scene. 

“Upon arrival, deputies immediately began tending to the infant and were successful in clearing the restricted airway.  After doing so, deputies closely monitored the infant until Rescue 20 arrived and took over treatment,” the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department said at the time.

The three officers were reunited with the baby who was happy and healthy a few days after their life-saving actions. 

Maynard was attending the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Brownsburg with his father on Saturday when he received quite the surprise. 

He was brought down to the starting line where he found out that he was being honored for his lifesaving actions.

“It was an honor to accept the award, but more importantly I want to recognize every person who puts on a vest and uniform and goes to work to serve their communities,” Maynard said. 

He dedicated the award to his fellow officers in Jennings County as well as every law enforcement officer across the state. 

“There are heroes everyday who don’t get the attention, and their dedication to the career, and service to others, should be recognized as well,” he added. 

He was also honored for his life-saving actions following a recent alleged stabbing, where he and fellow deputy Allen Ritchie applied tourniquets to two victims.

Maynard was recognized in front of thousands of spectators prior to the Top Fuel and Funny Car races. He and his father then had the opportunity to watch some of the races near the starting line. 

One of the racers who competed was Lawrenceburg native and 2018 Funny Car World Champion J.R. Todd.

Here is one of the races J.R. Todd competed in this past weekend: