(July 21, 2003)
Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey today named Deputy Sheriffs Tony Fratto, Rachel Katchmar and Guy Granata as the June winners of the Lucchino Award for Distinguished Service.

Fratto, 40, of Kennedy Township; Katchmar, 38, of Brentwood; and Granata, 39, of Whitehall, were given the award for saving the life of a defendant in a courtroom of the Family Division in February.

The defendant was in court Feb. 5 on a bench warrant for delinquent child support. As his hearing was ending, the defendant suddenly went into massive cardiac arrest, according to Pamela T. Abdalla, a hearing officer at the scene. Katchmar, who was on duty in the courtroom, immediately called for assistance and Fratto and Granata arrived.

All three deputies "worked quickly, diligently and with extraordinary courage to save (the man's) life," Abdalla said. The man, who has since recovered, was subsequently taken by paramedics to Mercy Hospital. "These three deputies worked together to effect a truly great miracle - the recovery of a life," Abdalla wrote in nominating the deputies for the award.

"I could do nothing but stand in awe of the speed, proficiency, knowledge and compassion under which deputies Fratto, Granata and Katchmar performed tasks above and beyond the call of duty," said Leah Duncan, another hearing officer.

From left - County Manager Robert Webb, County Executive Jim Roddey, Deputy Sheriffs Rachel Katchmar, Guy Granata and Tony Fratto County Sheriff Peter R. DeFazio present the June 2003 Lucchino Award.

Fratto has been employed by the county since January 1998; Katchmar, since June 1999, and Granata, since December 1989.

Initiated by Chief Executive Roddey, the Frank J. Lucchino Award recognizes and rewards exemplary performance by county employees who demonstrate outstanding efficiency, productivity and customer service. The award is presented monthly to a county employee or employee group in recognition of exceptional achievements. There is no deadline for nominations.