NORTH AUGUSTA, SC (WFXG) - June 21 is a day that Michael Prouty and his family will never forget. It began with a medical emergency when Prouty's wife experienced difficulty breathing. His oldest daughter, who works from home, called 9-1-1 for help while Prouty rushed to their house.
As paramedics worked to save Mrs. Prouty's life, the family met Officer Scott Bernardini of the North Augusta Public Safety Department. He quickly became a source of comfort during a terrifying time. "I just pulled them into the other room and started talking with them, calming them down and explaining the procedures that were going on," Officer Bernardini said. He reassured the family, which included three daughters, a father, and a grandfather.
"I just told him, 'Don't sugarcoat anything; just tell it like it is.' He said, 'Right now, it doesn't look good, but I'm going to be here with you for whatever you need,'" explained Michael Prouty.
Tragically, after 32 years of marriage, Mrs. Prouty passed away that night, and Officer Bernardini remained by the family's side. "Berni said, 'Do you want me to talk to your kids?' I said that would be wonderful because I don't really know what to say at this point," Prouty recalled.
A bond formed that night, and Officer Bernardini even attended Mrs. Prouty's funeral. Following the tragedy, Michael Prouty reached out to the North Augusta Police Chief and the mayor to express his gratitude for Officer Bernardini's support.
"Officer Bernardini represents the actions that officers take every day. Often, they do the same things he did and never get recognized for it," explained Chief Junior Johnson.
Officer Bernardini, a former EMS first responder turned police officer, expressed surprise at the attention. "It's kind of a surprise," he said.
Meanwhile, the Prouty family continues to show their appreciation. "I wanted other people to know what these men and women do every day. So many people take it for granted, and I don't want things like that to go by because it impacted my life. I have no idea how that day would have gone if someone wasn't there doing what he did," Prouty said.