Law officers, AED help save man following collapse in courtroom
A man scheduled to have his case heard during a docket of trials at the Shackelford County Courthouse last week collapsed from a heart attack while seated in the front row. Quick action by law enforcement officers and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) inside the courthouse are credited with saving his life.
According to Constable Xavier Perez, the man told Deputy Jason Price he was having a heart attack before collapsing. Price and Sheriff Ed Miller immediately moved him to the floor and began using the AED while administering first aid until EMS arrived.
“I swear at one point I do believe we lost him,” Perez said, noting the man began responding again once the AED was in use.
The AEDs in the courthouse were installed a few years ago under the direction of former County Judge Bob Skelton. Three are currently in place, with one located in the courtroom and two downstairs. Officials said the AED used during the incident will need replacement pads and wiring before it can be put back into service.
Joe Dowdy, who handles courthouse cleaning, was recognized for promptly sanitizing the courtroom afterward so court could resume.
Data Center Concerns Raised
Albany resident Stephen Cameron addressed the court Monday about the proposed 1,200-acre Vantage Data Center project near the southwestern edge of Shackelford County. Cameron expressed concerns about water and electricity usage, potential light and noise pollution, and whether promised jobs would benefit local residents.
County Judge John Viertel noted that the county’s role was limited to negotiating a tax abatement and that land use decisions are between the property owner and the company. Viertel later reported that he had signed the abatement agreement after learning a principal agreement is in place to purchase the land, with the closing still pending and the next steps toward finalizing the deal now underway.
Other Court Business
•The county’s burn ban remains in effect.
•An interlocal agreement between Precinct 3 and the City of Moran was approved, allowing the city to waive the county barn’s water bill in exchange for road repairs in Moran.
•Off-white was selected as the color for the courthouse clock face numerals.
•Commissioners voted to keep existing optional fees for road and bridge and child safety programs at their current levels for 2026, as outlined by the Texas DMV.
•A proposal from Cary Services to replace a lightning damaged courthouse boiler pump and motor was approved.
•The county will seek a quote for $1 million in cyber coverage, an increase from the current $500,000 limit.
