By Sarah Stephens
Elmore/Autauga News
Autauga County Deputy Allie Livingston was recognized this morning for her life-saving efforts during a softball game at Mac Gray Park in May of this year.
Standing before her peers, family and the woman she helped save, Allie received a special Life Saving Medal from Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger.
On May 5, Hope Little, of Santuck, was playing softball with the Prattville Recreational League. She was in the outfield position and was stung by a yellow jacket that was caught in her jersey.
Little knew she is extremely allergic to bee stings and headed to the dugout to get her Epi Pen. This injection contains Epinephrine, which she could self-inject to counteract bee sting. She always keeps one near her due to her severe allergy.
She began having immediate breathing difficulty and became unconscious before she could administer the dose herself.
That day Deputy Allie Livingston was off duty, and enjoying the softball game as a spectator.
When she witnessed Little’s teammates struggling to administer the Epi Pen. She immediately ran to help and took control, administering the life-saving dose.
Very quickly, Little’s airway began to open. In all she was unconscious about six minutes before medics arrived on scene.
Little wrote a powerful letter to Sheriff Sedinger, to let him know how much she appreciates the dedication of his deputy.
“My husband and I have two beautiful children who could have easily lost their mother that night. Thanks to the quick action of Deputy Livingston, they did not have to go through that. I owe her my life and she will forever be my hero,” Livingston wrote in her letter.
“I do believe God placed Deputy Livingston at that softball game for a reason,” said Sheriff Sedinger. “I am greatly honored to present Deputy Allie Livingston with the Life Saving medal on behalf of the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office and Hope Little.”
Pinning the medal on Livingston was her grandmother, Sheila Livingston.
In speaking of Allie, Sheila said that Allie usually tries to avoid attention or the spotlight. But her heart is pure, and she has always wanted to help people throughout her life. Allie has a twin sister, who is currently studying nursing. Apparently caring for others runs in the family.
“She always knew she wanted to be in law enforcement,” Sheila said with a big smile. “I am so very proud of her.”
As for Deputy Livingston, she kept a smile on her face throughout the presentation, and said she was just very happy she was in a position to help that day. She also talked about the importance of people watching their surroundings, stepping up to help if they can, and she was thankful for the help of the Prattville medics.
Hope Little was in attendance at the ceremony with her husband Eddie, and child Aiden. The couple has another child, Olivia, as well.
Allie entered the Police Academy at the tender age of 19, and was sponsored by the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office. With the Covid pandemic, training was halted for a time, but it allowed her to be the legal age of 21 when she went to work for the Autauga SO. She has only been a deputy for a couple of years now, but her impact has been a positive one, Sheriff Sedinger said.
Deputy Livingston said that she loves her job, and helping people whenever possible. She is one of six female deputies for the sheriff’s department.
As for Livingston and Little, they have become great friends through this ordeal. What may have begun as a terrifying incident has ended with a lifetime friendship.
Included in her letter, Little wrote, “Saying all of this, I just wanted you to know because in today’s society enforcers of the law do not get the positive attention they deserve. They put their lives on the line every day and I believe she deserves to be recognized for her heroic action.”
The EAN congratulations Deputy Livingston for this recognition, and we thank you and your fellow first responders for what you do every day in our communities.
