Deputy Matthew Sanderson;

On December 11, 2015 at approximately 0100 hours Corporal Jason Turner and Deputy Matthew Sanderson were dispatched to an accident on I-20 at the Canal Bridge. A tractor trailer had run off the road and into the Canal. The driver of the truck had become free of the cab and was yelling for help. Cpl. Turner and Dep. Sanderson were able to locate the driver near the bank of the Canal. Both Cpl. Turner and Dep. Sanderson braved the cold, dark water and brought the driver to safety. The driver had a large laceration to the head and was experiencing paralysis when he was found. They remained with the driver until the Fire Department’s Water Rescue arrived and helped facilitate the extraction of the driver from the water. These Deputies faced treacherous conditions to save this person's life.

Due to their fast thinking, level of experience, and desire to help those in need, a life was saved.

Sergeant Ronald Harden;

Officers were dispatched to University Hospital parking deck level 6 in reference to a subject threatening to jump. Upon arrival, Officers found the subject on the outside of the barrier wall standing on a 6” ledge and holding onto the wall for support. Sergeant Ronald Harden made contact with the subject and began talking with him. Several times he would lean out, hanging onto the wall to keep from falling. He stated he was just getting the courage up to let go. He then stood up on the wall, walking it like a tight rope and almost lost his balance. Sergeant Harden convinced him to sit down on the wall. He sat down with his back to the deputies. He had previously given a time frame of approx. 10 min and then he was going to jump.

Sergeant Harden continued to talk to him trying to encourage him to come back on the other side of the wall. Sergeant Harden positioned himself on his right side during the conversation. While talking with Sergeant Harden other deputies were able to ease up on the left side of him. Seeing an opportunity and fearing the subject would jump or fall at any moment, Deputy Jason McCall grabbed the subject and pulled him back onto the deck.  He was assisted by Deputy Brent Turner, Deputy Philip Clark, and Deputy Richard Justice.  The subject was taken into protective custody and transported to the emergency room. I feel that if not for the actions of all the deputies involved the subject may have jumped and a tragic end would have occurred.

Deputy Jason McCall;

Officers were dispatched to University Hospital parking deck level 6 in reference to a subject threatening to jump. Upon arrival, Officers found the subject on the outside of the barrier wall standing on a 6” ledge and holding onto the wall for support. Sergeant Ronald Harden made contact with the subject and began talking with him. Several times he would lean out, hanging onto the wall to keep from falling. He stated he was just getting the courage up to let go. He then stood up on the wall, walking it like a tight rope and almost lost his balance. Sergeant Harden convinced him to sit down on the wall. He sat down with his back to the deputies. He had previously given a time frame of approx. 10 min and then he was going to jump.

Sergeant Harden continued to talk to him trying to encourage him to come back on the other side of the wall. Sergeant Harden positioned himself on his right side during the conversation. While talking with Sergeant Harden other deputies were able to ease up on the left side of him. Seeing an opportunity and fearing the subject would jump or fall at any moment, Deputy Jason McCall grabbed the subject and pulled him back onto the deck.  He was assisted by Deputy Brent Turner, Deputy Philip Clark, and Deputy Richard Justice.  The subject was taken into protective custody and transported to the emergency room. I feel that if not for the actions of all the deputies involved the subject may have jumped and a tragic end would have occurred.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Lt. Michael J. D'Amico for 30 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Inv. Ronald B. Sylvester for 25 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Deputy Tommy Hain for 25 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Deputy Eugene A. Brantley for 15 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Rhonda D. Brown for 15 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Deputy Michael P. Cullinan Jr. for 10 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Deputy Jason D. Evans for 10 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County.