An off-duty Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputy, Jamey Hummer, found himself at the center of a rescue last Wednesday after witnessing a car crash outside the main County building in downtown San Jose, as reported by the Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred near the County parking lot and involved a woman whose minivan had collided with a parked rental car after she suffered a seizure behind the wheel. Hummer, who had just finished his shift at the Main Jail, heard the crash at First Street and Hedding intersection and immediately stepped into action. According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, the deputy was joined by Doug Feliciano, the County’s facilities security director, who assisted the woman.
"I heard a loud crash coming from the intersection of First Street and Hedding," Hummer recounted to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival, he saw the driver, who appeared to be in the grip of a seizure. What followed were moments of swift collaboration between Hummer and Feliciano, who supported the woman's neck, monitored her breathing, and provided a sense of calm. "Her minivan pushed the parked car onto our property and into a tree," Feliciano said in a statement. As first responders descended upon the scene, the deputy's training and instincts prevailed even though he was off the clock.
The professionalism and prompt care displayed by the two men did not go unnoticed. Paramedics and firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and assumed care of the woman, who was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, no other individuals were harmed in the accident. The San Jose Police Department later confirmed that the unfortunate event was the result of a medical emergency involving only the woman. Her identity has been withheld, prioritizing her privacy.
Despite the heroic efforts, Hummer remained humble, emphasizing the natural reaction that comes with his role. “As first responders, we often find ourselves taking action during an emergency whether we are on duty or not,” Hummer said. "I think our training and desire to make the community safer just kicks in automatically," he added. Assistant Sheriff Michelle Asban and the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff expressed their pride in Hummer's conduct. "It’s always uplifting to hear about the actions of our staff, especially in situations like this," Asban conveyed, praising the deputy’s ability to maintain a composed and caring demeanor throughout the ordeal, as per the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
