But when Polk County Sheriff Johnny Moats got that call on June 12, it didn't turn into the nightmare scenario he might have expected.
They could have even driven away in the work van, perhaps crossing state lines before anyone noticed.
The deputy, who reportedly lost consciousness due to complications from a brain surgery he had 10 years ago, has fully recovered.
And now, as a way of saying thanks, the Polk County Sheriff's Office is helping them right back.
Sheriff Moats is recommending that the six inmates, who are all nonviolent offenders, receive reduced sentences for their good deed.
It's a sweet ending, made all the sweeter because everyone involved knows what could have happened had the inmates reacted differently. »