By Mike Hazlip—
A Citrus Heights police officer is being commended by an area homeless rights advocate following a “heroic” attempt to save the life of a 48-year-old Citrus Heights resident.
During the last weekend in June, Officer Joseph Spurlin attempted to revive Candy Brown after she went into cardiac arrest, according to homeless advocate Alfred Sanchez. Brown ultimately died after Spurlin twice revived her, Sanchez said.
Sanchez, who often finds himself at odds with police over homeless rights, says officer Spurlin’s actions deserve credit for being “heroic”
“Normally I’m out there getting on their case and this time I’m putting them up for a commendation,” he said. “But like I said, that goes to show that’s my hope for the day that regardless of who you are, I believe that credit is due where credit is deserved.”
Police Chief Alex Turcotte praised Spurlin’s efforts in an Aug. 1 email shared with The Sentinel, saying the officer “a fine example of the thoughtful and caring officers we have here in Citrus Heights and it is always great to hear they are appreciated by our partners in the community.” The chief also said a commendation for Spurlin was “in the works.”
Brown was a member of the homeless community in Citrus Heights, and in a relationship with Scotty Summerfield. In an interview with The Sentinel Friday, Summerfield recalled the positive influence Brown had on his life.
“That was the first time I asked a woman to marry me,” Summerfield said, adding that Brown accepted his proposal and the two had what he called a “street marriage.”
Summerfield keeps a hand-written “goodbye” note Brown wrote after her diagnosis of heart failure. He says she inspired him to help other members of their homeless community.
The couple were together about five years, Summerfield said, and were homeless for the last two years.
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