MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Tami Touton is an instructional assistant at Mary Blount Elementary School. On Nov. 18, 2023, she saved a kindergarten student who was choking on a sandwich at lunch.
"We were just doing our cafeteria duties with the children with our classes," said Touton. "And it just happened while we were having a normal day. And, you know, the course of events just came along. And we just helped each other and know what to do."
On Jan. 31, the Blount County Sheriff's Office honored her with its Citizen Service Award.
"It was a total surprise," said Touton. "And I came up and there were lots of people from the sheriff's department here, along with my supervisors. And I was presented with the award, which was incredibly special."
She said mandatory online safety training helped her spring into action.
"I was just glad that I was calm and able to help the other instructional assistant who needed some assistance with the situation," said Touten. "You never know what situation you'll be put in. And it could have never happened in my entire life."
Ryan Ferrell, the school principal, said training is important because it helps staff prepare for anything.
"You never know what's going to happen when you're working with a wide range of ages and are with them all day long," said Ferrell. "And so it's important to be able to be ready so that in an event like this, like with Mrs. Touton, she just instinctively reacted."
He also said having people like Touton on his staff makes him feel good.
"It just makes you proud of them and are honored to be able to work with them," said Ferrell. "And it makes me feel satisfied to know that we've got people like that who love our kids, are willing to take care of them and just do that as part of their job."
Touton said being honored by the sheriff's office was a surprise because she was just doing her job.
"I'm proud to represent Mary Blount Elementary and Blount, County Schools," said Touton. "It's an honor, but honestly, there's so many heroes every day that help the kids."
In an emailed statement, BCSO shared a statement on the criteria people must meet for the award.
"This award may be conferred on any citizen who is not an employee of the Sheriff's Office. An act or achievement must be directly related to the overall law enforcement objectives of the Sheriff's Office that may include extraordinary heroism or unselfish devotion to a fellow human being, or meritorious achievement in the performance of civic responsibilities."
The Blount County Sheriff's Office said on average, the Citizen Service Award is given out about three times a year. Last year, they awarded it to a man who has picked up trash on his daily walk for several years.